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DEC  2  4  1975 


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MAR  12 1986 


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ma  m 


THE 


CLINICAL    DIAGNOSIS 


OF 


Lameness  in  the  Horse 


BY 


W.  E.   A.    WYMAN,  V.S., 

Professor  of  Veterinary  Science  at  Clemson  A.  and  M. 

College,  and  Veterinarian  to  South  Carolina 

Experiment  Station. 


New  York 
WILLIAM  K.  JENKINS  CO. 

PUBLISHERS 

851-853  Sixth  Avenue 


Copyright,  1898,  by  William  R.  Jenkins 


All  Rights  Reserved 


PRINTED   BY  THE 

Press  of  William  R.  Jenkins  Co. 
New  York 


©ebicdteb 


ALMA  MATER, 

THE  NEW  YORK  COLLEGE  OF  VETERINARY  SURGEONS  AND 
SCHOOL  OF  COMPARATIVE  MEDICINE, 


THE  AUTHOR. 


PREFACE. 


The  total  absence  in  the  English  language  of  a  work  on 
the  Clinical  Diagnosis  of  Lameness  in  the  Horse,  induced 
me  to  gather  material  from  all  obtainable  works,  American^ 
English,  and  especiallj^  German,  to  supplement  my  lectures ; 
this  little  work  therefore  is  primarily  a  compilation.  The 
treatment  of  this  subject  is  so  scattered  and  not  fully  dis- 
cussed in  any  particular  work  on  Surgery,  that  an  expensive 
and  voluminous  library  at  once  becomes  necessary  to  study 
this  important  branch  of  Surgery.  The  extreme  courtesy  of 
the  eminent  surgeon,  Professor  Doctor  H.  Moller,  Berlin, 
Germany,  has  made  it  possible  for  me  to  issue  this  contribu- 
tion toward  Veterinai'y  Surgery,  since  he  most  kindly  per- 
mitted me  to  use  his  various  excellent  works.  This  little 
effort  is  a  resume,  embodying  mainly  the  teachings  of 
Professor  Doctor  Moller,  arranged,  as  I  hope,  in  a  practical 
manner. 

To  the  different  chapters,  short  anatomical  sketches  and 
drawings,  as  well  as  important  anatomo-physiological  laws, 
have  been  added.  This  compendium  is  chiefly  intended  for 
the  student,  to  give  him  a  concise  treatise  on  the  symptoms 
accompanying  the  various  forms  of  lameness,  the  differential 
diagnosis  wherever  an  error  is  liable  to  be  made,  and  recog- 
nized practical  methods  of  examination  to  aid  him  in  the 
detection  of  the  seat  of  the  lameness.  The  practitioner 
may  possibly  find  some  points  of  interest  in  this  little  work 
in  his  moments  of  leisure. 


VI  PREFACE. 

I  take  tliis  opportunity  to  thank  Professor  Doctor  H. 
Moller  for  his  great  kiudness. 

I  am  also  under  obligations  to  Messrs.  Parey,  Cox  and 
Lupton,  for  granting  me  the  use  of  various  cuts,  some  of 
which  have  been  remodeled  to  more  clearly  illustrate  points 
of  interest. 

In  conclusion,  I  wish  to  express  thanks  to  my  publisher, 
William  R.  Jenkins,  for  the  liberal  assistance  rendered 
me  in  every  respect. 

W.  E.  A.  WYMAN. 

Clemson  College,  S.  C= 


TABLE   OF   CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  I. 

PAGE 

Detection  of  the  Lame  Leg 9 

CHAPTER   II. 

Detection  of  the  Seat  of  Lameness 13 

History 13 

Examination  of  the  Lame  Animal 14 

Examination  of  the  Hoof 14 

CHAPTER   III. 

Lameness  in  the  Foreleg 25 

Anatomo-Physiological  Review 25 

CHAPTER  IV. 

Lameness  in  the  Region  of  the  Shoulder 35 

1.  Shoulder  Lameness 35 

Diseased  Conditions  of  the  Shoulder-Joint  and  its  Neigh- 
borhood   36 

Inflammatory  Swellings  and  New  Growths 36 

Thrombosis  of  the  Brachial  Artery 36 

Disease  of  the  Muscles  of  the  Shoulder 37 

Contusions    and    Distortion   of   the   Scapulo-humeral 

Articulation 38 

2.  Luxation  of  the  Scapulo-humeral  Articulation 39 

3.  Inflammation    of   the  Bursa  and  Tendon  of  the  Postea- 

spinatus  Muscle 39 

4.  Paralysis  of  the  Supra-scapular  Nerve 40 

5.  Inflammation  of  t'he  Bursa  of  the  Flexor  Brachii  Muscle. . .  40 

6.  Paralysis  of  the  Radial  Nerve 42 

7.  Paralysis  of  the  Brachial  Nerve  Plexus 44 

8.  Fracture  of  the  Scapula 45 

9.  Fracture  of  the  Fore-arm 45 

Fracture  of  the  Diapliysis 45 

Fracture  of  One  of  the  Condyles 46 

vii 


Vlll  TABLE   OF   CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER  V. 

PAOB 

Lameness  in  the  Region  of  the  Elbow  and  Fore-arm 47 

1.  Inflammation  of  the  Elbow-Joint 47 

2.  Fracture  of  the  Ulna 47 

3.  Fracture  of  the  Radius 48 

4.  Wounds  and  Bruises  of  the  Fore-arm 48 

CHAPTER  VI. 

Lameness  in  the  Region  of  the  Knee 49 

1 .  Injuries  to  the  Anterior  Surface  of  the  Knee 49 

2.  Fracture  of  the  Bones  of  the  Knee 49 

3.  Chronic  Inflammation  of  the  Knee 50 

4.  Inflammation  of  the  Carpal  Bursa  of  the  Flexor   Pedis 

Tendons 50 

5.  Distension  of  Articular  and  Tendinous  Synovial  sacs 51 

CHAPTER  VII. 

Lameness  in  the  Region  of  the  Metacarpus 56 

1.  Rupture  of  the  Flexor  Tendons  and  Sesamoidal  Ligaments.  56 

2.  Inflammation  of  the  Flexor  Tendons 57 

3.  Fracture  of  the  Metacarpal  Bone 58 

4.  Splints 59 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

Lameness  in-  the  Phalangeal  Region 63 

1.  Luxation  of  the  Phalanges 64 

2.  Distortion  of  the  Phalangeal  Articulation 64 

3.  Inflammation  of  the  Posterior  Ligaments  of  the  Coronet- 

Joint  65 

4.  Sesamoid  Lameness 66 

5.  Fracture  of  the  Sesamoid  Bones 68 

6.  Fracture  of  the  Os  Suff raginis 69 

7.  Fracture  of  the  Os  Corona 69 

8.  Fracture  of  the  Os  Pedis    70 

9.  Ringbone 70 

10.  Fracture  of  the  Navicular  Bone 73 

11.  Navicular  Disease 74 

CHAPTER  IX. 

Lameness  in  the  Hind  Leg 78 

Anatomo-Physiological  Review 78 


TABLE   OF  CONTENTS.  IX 
CHAPTER  X. 

PAGE 

Lameness  in  the  Gluteal  Region 87 

1.  Hip  Lameness 87 

2.  Inflammation .  of  the  Tendon  and  Tendon  Sheath  of  the 

Middle  Gluteus  Muscle 88 

CHAPTER  XI. 

Lameness  in  the  Region  of  the  Hip  Joint 91 

1.  Luxation  of  the  Femur 91 

(a)  Forward  Luxation  of  the  Femur 91 

(6)  Backward  Luxation  of  the  Femur 93 

(c)  Inward  Luxation  of  the  Femur 92 

(d)  Outward  Luxation  of  the  Femur 92 

2.  Inflammation  of  the  Hip  Joint 93 

3.  Fracture  of  the  Femur , 93 

CHAPTER  XII. 

Thrombosis  of  the  Posterior  Aorta  and  Its  Branches 95 

(a)  Femoral  Artery 95 

(b)  Iliac  Artery 95 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

Peripheral  Nerve  Paralysis 96 

1.  Tibial  Nerve 96 

2.  Ischiatic  Nerve 96 

3.  Crural  Nerve 97 

4.  Incomplete  Paralysis  of  the  Hind  Leg 98 

CHAPTER  XIV. 

Lameness  in  the  Region  of  the  Femoro-Tibial  Articulation  .  100 

1.  Acute  Inflammation  of  the  Stifle  Joint 101 

2.  Chronic  Inflammation  of  the  Stifle  Joint 101 

3.  Luxation  of  the  Patella 103 

Outward  Luxation  of  the  Patella 104 

4.  Rupture  of  the  Straight  Ligaments  of  the  Patella 105 

5.  Fracture  of  the  Patella 105 

CHAPTER  XV. 

Lameness  in  the  Region  of  the  Tibia 106 

1.  Fracture  and  Fissure  of  the  Tibia  106 

2.  Rupture  of  the  Flexor  Metatarsi  Muscle 107 

3.  Rupture  of  the  Tendo- Achilles 108 


X  TABLE   OF   CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER  XVI. 

PAGE 

LA3IENESS  IN  THE  REGION   OF  THE  HoCK  JOINT 109 

1.  Spavin 109 

2.  Acute  Inflammation  of  the  Hock  Joint 112 

3.  Fracture  of  the  Bones  of  the  Hock 113 

Fracture  of  the  Os  Calcis 113 

Fracture  of  the  Astragulus 114 

Subfacial  Cellulitis 114 

Fracture  of  Other  Bones  of  the  Tarsus 114 

4.  Curb 115 

5.  Luxation  of  the  Flexor  Pedis  Perforatus  Tendon 116 

CHAPTER  XVII. 

Lameness  in  the  Region  of  the  Metatarsus 117 

1.  Chronic  Thickening  of  the  Sesamoidal  Sheath 117 

2.  Acute  Septic  Inflammation  of  the  Flexor  Tendon  Sheath. . .  117 

3.  Stringhalt 118 

4.  Lameness  Resulting  from  Interfering  and  Its  Complications  119 

CHAPTER  XVIII. 

Lameness  Following  Fracture  of  the  Vertebra 120 

Fracture  of  the  Body  of  the  Vertebrae 120 

CHAPTER  XIX. 

Lament:ss  Resulting  from  Fracture  of  the  Pelvis 122 

1.  Fracture  of  the  External  Angle  of  the  Ilium 122 

2.  Fracture  of  the  Shaft  of  the  Ilium 122 

3.  Fracture  Through  the  Obturator  Foramen 123 

4.  Fracture  of  the  Os  Pubis 124 

5.  Fracture  in  the  Cotyloid  Cavity 124 

6.  Fracture  of  the  Tuberosity  of  the  Ischium 124 

7.  Fracture  of  the  External  Branch  of  the  Ischium 125 

CHAPTER  XX. 

Hoof  Lameness 126 

Anatomo-Physiological  Review 126 

CHAPTER  XXI. 

Diagnosis  of  Hoof  Lameness 130 

CHAPTER  XXII. 
Lameness  Following  Acute  Superficial  and  Parenchymatous 

Inflammation  of  the  Podophyllous  Membrane 136 


TABLE   OF  CONTENTS.  XI 
CHAPTER  XXIII. 

PAGE 

Lameness  Following  Individual  Hoof  Disease 140 

1.  Laminitis 140 

2.  Wounds  of  the  .Coronet 143 

3.  Quitter 143 

4.  Punctured  Wounds  of  Sole  and  Frog 144 

5.  Pricking  in  Shoeing 145 

6.  Corns 145 

7.  Side-Bones 146 

8.  Thrush 147 

9.  Sandcracks 148 

10.  Loosening  of  the  Sole  from  the  Wall ...   148 

11.  SeedyToe 149 

12.  Contracted  Hoof = 150 

Contraction  in  the  Region  of  the  Quarters 151 

Contraction  of  the  Sole  Onlj- 153 

Contraction  in  the  Coronary  Region » . . . .  153 

CHAPTER  XXIV. 

Lasieness  Resulting  From  Different  Causes  Not  Described 

IN  the  Foregoing  Paragraphs .  154 

1.  Glanders  and  Farcy 154 

2.  Influenza 154 

3.  Maladie  du  Coit 154 

4.  Pui-pui-a  Haemorrhagica 155 

5.  Inflammatory  Conditions  of  the  Skin 155 

6.  Shoulder  Abscess 155 

7.  Inflammatory  Changes  in  the  Mammary  Glands 155 

8.  Inflammation  of  the  Spermatic  Cord  and  Testicles 155 

9.  Enlarged  Inguinal  Glands 156 

10.  Fistulous  Withers 156 

11.  Sternal  Fistula 156 

12.  Wounds  and    Inflammatory  Conditions  of    the  Skin  and 

Underlying  Tissues  of  the  Organs  of  Locomotion 156 

13.  Osteoporosis 156 

CHAPTER  XXV. 

InSEASE  OF  THE  HeAD  OF  SUSPENSORY   LIGAMENT 157 

Paresis  of  the  Flexor  Pedis  Perforans 158 


TABLE  OF  ILLUSTRATIONS. 


FIG.  PAGE 

1.  Muscles  of  the  foreleg 28 

2.  Rupture  of  suspensoiy  ligament,  flexor  perforatus,  and  flexor 

perf  orans 34 

3.  Lameness  from  bursitis  inter-tubercularis 41 

4.  Complete  paralysis  of  the  radial  nerve 43 

5.  Schema  of  the  more  important  tendon  sheaths  and  bvirsfe  of 

the  fore-limb  seen  from  in  front  and  without 52 

6.  The  same,  as  seen  from  the  front 52 

7.  Eupture  of  the  superior  sesamoidal  or  suspensory  ligament. ...  56 

8.  Excessive  dorsal  flexion 57 

9.  Location  of  splints  60 

10.  Flexor  pedis  perforans  and  perforatus  tendon  in  a  case  of  sesa- 

moidal  lameness 67 

11.  Articular  ringbone 71 

12.  Peri-articular  ringbone 72 

13.  Muscles  of  the  hindleg 79 

14.  Tendon  sheaths  and  bursae  of  the  hind-limb  of  the  horse,  seen 

from  without  89 

15.  Incomplete  crural  paralysis 97 

16.  Left-sided  chronic  inflammation  of  the  stifle  joint 102 

17.  Bilateral  chronic  inflammation  of  the  stifle  joint 103 

18.  Luxation  of  the  patella 104 

19.  Rupture  of  flexor  metatarsi  muscle 107 

20.  Spavined  hock 110 

21.  Curb  115 

22.  Position  of  the  limb  in  infectious  inflammation  of  the  flexor 

pedis  perforatus  sheath  in  the  fetlock  region 118 

23.  Schema  illustrating  fractures  of  the  pelvis  in  the  horse 123 

24.  Position  of  the  hoof  in  disease  of  the  plantar  cushion 137 

25.  Position  of  anterior  limbs  in  laminitis 138 

26.  Hoof  deformed  by  chronic  laminitis 141 

27.  Ossification  of  the  lateral  cartilages 147 

28.  1,  Loose  wall ;  2  and  3,  hollow  wall ,. . .  149 

29.  Complete  bilateral  contracion 151 

30.  Unilateral  contraction 152 

31.  Contracted  sole  and  dislocation  of  the  wall  at  the  toe 153 

32.  Coronarj-  contraction 153 

xiii 


SYNOPSIS   OF  LAMENESS. 


The  diagnosis  of  lameness  involves  three  problems  : 

1.  Detection  of  the  Lame  L,eg. 

2.  Detection  of  the  Seat  of  Lameness. 

3.  Detection  of  the  Causes  of  Lameness. 

Lameness  depends  on : 

1.  Painful  Sensations  in  the  Limb  or  adjoining  parts. 

2.  Paralysis  of  Nerves  or  Muscles. 

3.  Pathological    conditions   mechanically  interfering 

with  locomotion. 

4.  A  combination  of  the  above. 

Lameness  may  be : 

1.  Severe,  the  lame  leg  not  supporting-  any  weight, 

2.  Moderate,  the  lame  leg  supports  weight  imperfectly. 

3o  Slight,  the  lame  leg  supports  the  full  weight,  but 
the  period  during  which  it  supports  weight  is 
shortened. 


CHAPTEE  1. 


DETECTION  OF  THE  LAME  LEG. 


In  cases  of  slight  lameness  an  educated  eye  and  constant 
practice  are  imperative.  Severe  lameness  is  readily  recog- 
nized, as  even  at  rest  distinct  symptoms,  such  as  pointing 
or  frequent  raising  of  the  suffering  limb,  are  noticeable. 
By  pointing  is  understood  the  resting  of  the  foot  either  in 
front,  behind,  to  the  outside  or  iuside  of  an  imaginary 
vertical  line  drawn  from  the  point  of  the  shoulder  to  the 
ground.  The  animal's  instinct  leads  him  to  place  his  foot 
into  a  position  which  relieves  pain.  Unless  lameness  is 
severe  the  animal  is  either  trotted,  ridden  or  driven.  If  no 
conspicuous  irregularity  in  the  gnit  is  present,  the  ear  is  of 
value,  the  louder  hoof-beat  coming  from  the  sound  leg, 
while  the  lame  leg,  being  put  to  the  ground  more  lightly, 
produces  a  weaker  sound. 

High-strung  animals,  when  improperly  led,  as,  for 
instance,  with  too  short  a  halter  rope  or  too  slowly,  often 
step  shorter  with  one  leg  than  with  the  other;  such  animals 
are  best  ridden  or  driven.  Horses  with  wide  chests  and 
hips  have  normally  a  rolling,  wabbling  gait ;  horses  which 
have  done  a  good  deal  of  hard  work,  or  those  which  are  old, 
lose  elasticity  of  movement ;  horses  with  upright  shoulders 
show  a  quick,  short  step  ;  some  horses,  when  going  beyond 
a  certain  speed,  hop  behind,  this  hop  disappearing  when 


10  LAMENESS  IN   THE   HORSE. 

taken  out  of  the  harness  and  trotted  with  a  loose  rein. 
Colts  occasionally  go  apparently  lame,  before  they  get  used 
to  the  bit ;  this  bridle  lameness  disappears  when  they  are 
trotted  with  a  halter  and  loose  rein.  If  no  halter  is  handy 
this  feigned  lameness  can  be  easily  recognized  by  watching 
the  animal  from  both  sides,  as  the  nodding  of  the  head 
corresponds  with  the  right  us  well  as  with  the  left  leg,  thus 
excluding  lameness.  Unless  discretion  is  used  in  such 
cases  as  just  mentioned, the  animal  maybe  pronounced  lame 
while  in  reality  sound. 

In  locating  the  lame  leg,  trot  the  horse  with  a  halter  on, 
leaving  a  foot  and  one  half  of  rope,  thus  allowing  free  play 
to  all  muscles  concerned  in  locomotion,  and  have  him 
trotted  slowly  toward  the  observer.  If  lame  in  one  fore-leg, 
the  right  one,  for  instance,  his  head  will  nod  more  or  less 
when  he  steps  upon  the  left  fore-leg,  while  the  head  jerks 
up  at  the  moment  the  right  leg  (the  lame  one)  is  placed 
upon  the  ground.  Hence  the  heail  of  the  lame  animal 
always  nods  when  the  sound  leg  is  planted. 

Should  there  be  lameness  in  both  fore-legs,  the  action  is 
stilty,  the  naturally  elastic  stride  is  wanting,  the  steps  are 
shortened  and  the  feet  are  kept  close  to  the  ground. 
Almost  invariably  the  hind-legs  are  picked  up  higher  than 
normally,  the  shoulders  appear  stiff  and  the  head  is  carried 
rather  high,  while  the  lumbar  region  is  arched. 

Lameness  behind  is  seen  by  trotting  the  horse  from  the 
observer,  the  croup  being  the  essential  point  to  be  watched, 
since  it  falls  or  drops  with  the  sound  leg  and  rises  with  the 
lame  one. 

If  lame  in  both  hind-legs,  the  stride  is  shortened  and 
awkward,  the  fore-legs  are  kept  back  of  the  vertical  line  and 
are  apt  to  be  raised  higher  than  usual,  while  the  head  is 


DETECTION   OF  THE  LAME  LEG.  11 

lowered.  Backiug  is  difficult,  and  it  is  almost  impossible  to 
keep  the  animal  at  a  trot  when  there  is  lameness  in  more 
than  one  leg  at  a  time. 

Horses  lame  in. both  fore  or  hind  legs,  show  a  wabbling 
gait  behind,  often  mistaken  for  lameness  originating  in  the 
lumbar  region ;  this  peculiar  motion  is  simply  due  to  the 
fact  that  the  hind  legs  are  unduly  advanced  under  the  body 
for  their  own  relief  or  that  of  the  fore-legs. 

Lameness  in  two  legs  of  the  same  side  causes  a  see- 
sawing of  the  head  and  haunch,  due  to  the  jerking  up  of  the 
head,  as  the  lame  fore-leg  comes  down,  and  dropping  of  the 
haunch  as  the  sound  hind-leg  touches  the  ground.  Pacers, 
of  course,  form  an  exception  to  this  rule.  If  lame  in  two 
legs  of  the  same  side,  the  body  drops  when  the  sound  legs 
are  planted  and  rises  when  the  lame  legs  come  to  the 
ground. 

Animals  lame  diagonally,  for  instance,  in  the  right  fore- 
leg and  left  hind-leg,  show  a  rising  of  the  body  as  the  lame 
legs  are  put  to  the  ground,  whereas  the  head  and  haunch 
drop  as  the  left  fore  and  right  hind  leg  (the  sound  ones) 
touch  the  ground. 

Close  attention  is  to  be  paid  to  the  animal's  action  as  he 
turns  while  being  trotted  to  and  from  the  observer,  as  at 
this  moment, — that  is,  while  he  turns, — any  hitch  becomes 
visible,  as,  for  instance,  in  spavin  or  stringhalt  lameness. 

Sometimes  lameness  is  so  slight,  and  that  only  for  a 
little  while  after  leaving  the  stable,  that  the  detection  of  the 
lame  leg  is  quite  impossible.  Under  these  circumstances  it 
is  advisable  to  drive  the  animal  briskly  three  or  four  miles, 
rest  him  one  half  hour,  and  then  proceed  with  the 
examination.  This  treatment  often  materially  increases 
lameness  and  the  lame  leg  becomes  more  apparent. 


12  LAMENESS    IN   THE    HORSE. 

Exceedingly  difficult  to  diagnose  arc  complicated  cases, 
tliat  is,  those  where  more  than  one  leg  is  lame  at  the  same 
time,  calling  for  constant  practice  and  keen  observation.  If 
there  is  any  doubt  as  to  the  permanency  of  the  lameness, — 
it  may  be  temporary  from  interfering,  picking  up  stones, 
etc., — examine  the  animal  again  in  a  day  or  two.' 

Lameness  resulting  from  chronic  disease  of  a  joint, 
especially  the  hock  joint,  becomes  more  pronounced  by 
passively  flexing  the  joint  supposed  to  be  diseased  for  one 
or  two  minutes,  trotting  the  animal  immediately  on  releasing 
the  leg.  This  method  of  examination,  applied  mostly  to 
confirm  the  diagnosis  "  spavin,"  is  known  as  the  spavin  test. 
Sometimes  it  is  necessary  to  trot  the  horse  in  a  circle, 
particularly  if  trotting  him  in  a  straight  line  gives  negative 
results ;  but  the  circle  must  not  be  too  small,  as  this 
produces  irregular  action  of  the  legs.  The  horse  is  trotted 
to  the  right  and  to  the  left  of  the  circle,  as  one  direction  is 
apt  to  bring  out  the  lameness  better  than  the  other.  For 
instance,  if  jogging  him  to  the  left  causes  or  increases 
lameness,  the  trouble  is  somewhere  in  the  near  leg. 


CHAPTER  11. 


DETECTION  OF  THE  SEAT  OF  LAMENESS. 


Slight  lameness  requires  a  thorough  knowledge  of  the 
anatomo-physiological  laws,  with  careful  application  of  the 
same.  Of  great  value  is  the  history  of  the  case,  and 
absolutely  necessary  the  local  examination  by  inspection 
and  palpation. 

History. 

In  learning  the  liistorj^  ol  a  case  ambiguous  questions 
are  to  be  avoided.     The  most  important  questions  are  : 

1.  How  long  is  tlio  animal  lame? 

2.  Under  what  conditions  did  he  go  lame  ? 

3.  Was  the  lameness  first  seen  while  at  work,  or  did  it 
appear  on  rest? 

4  Has  the  horse  been  shod  recently? 

5.  Did  it  fall  or  sustain  external  violence? 

6.  Did  the  lame  leg  ever  show  any  swelling? 

7.  Has  the  lameness  increased  or  decreased  since  it  first 
occurred  ? 

8.  Does  lameness  increase  while  working,  or  is  it  more 
pronounced  after  a  rest  ? 

9.  Has  the  animal  ever  been  treated,  what  part  of  the 
leg,  and  what  was  the  treatment? 

13 


14  LAMENESS   IN   THE   HORSE. 

Examination  of  the  Lame  Animal. 

1.  Observe  the  hoise  while  at  rest,  see  if  the  feet  support 
the  same  amouDt  of  weight,  or  if  the  animal  points;  whether 
one  fetlock  is  more  upright  than  the  other  and  whether  he 
frequently  shifts  the  weight  from  one  leg  to  the  other. 

Some  nervous  horses,  or  those  previously  treated  with 
blisters,  setons,  firing  iron,  etc.,  become  restless  at  once  on 
approach  of  a  person ;  such  animals  therefore  must  be 
examined  with  great  care. 

2.  Make  the  animal  step  from  one  side  to  the  other, 
bestowing  particular  attention  upon  the  action  of  the 
hind-legs.  The  spasmodic  motion  peculiar  to  spavin  or 
stringhalt  is  often  brought  out  in  this  manner. 

3.  The  animal  is  now  walked,  trotted,  ridden  or  driven, 
according  to  the  degree  of  lameness.  While  moving  the 
horse  the  nature  of  the  faulty  action  must  be  studied.  The 
important  point  lies  in  finding  out  whether  the  faulty  action 
is  more  visible  while  the  leg  is  supporting  weight  or  when 
it  is  swinging ;  whether  it  is  abducted  or  adducted,  the  toe 
pointing  in  or  outward.  In  all  doubtful  cases  the  horse 
must  be  tried  on  soft  and  on  hard  ground. 

4.  If  possible,  place  the  animal's  legs  into  a  normal 
position,  and  inspect  the  various  parts  of  the  lame  leg, 
always  comparing  them  with  the  same  parts  of  the  sound 
leg,  to  find  anatomical  changes.  Examine  the  hoof  first, 
unless  the  seat  of  the  lameness  is  sufficiently  conspicuous  to 
allow  the  omission  of  the  examination. 

Examination  of  the  Hoof. 

A  thorough  knowledge  of  the  principles  of  shoeing,  of 
the  anatomy  and  diseases  of  the  hoof,  are  essential  to  arrive 
at  a  correct  diagnosis.     The  size  and  shape  of  the  hoof  is  to 


DETECTION  OF  THE  SEAT  OF  LAMENESS.         15 

be  inspected.  It  is  well  to  remember  that  the  left  hoof  is 
frequently  normally  smaller  than  the  right  one ;  yet  the 
writer  has  seen  horses  with  the  right  hoof  smaller  than  the 
left  one,  although  they  had  never  been  lame.  Compare 
the  size,  slope,  depth  and  breadth  of  the  heels  of  the  two 
feet. 

In  cases  of  hoof  lameness  of  long  standing,  the  lame  foot 
is  usually  smaller  and  narrower  than  the  sound  one.  If 
inspection  leaves  any  doubts,  the  eye  may  be  greatly 
assisted  by  measuring  the  various  parts  with  a  compass. 

Inspect  the  coronary  region,  the  horny  wall  and  the 
shoe.  The  latter  immediately  becomes  of  great  importance 
if  lameness  follows  recent  shoeing ;  in  such  cases  the  fit  of 
the  shoe,  its  length  and  shape,  as  well  as  the  seat  of  the 
nails,  are  to  be  closely  examined. 

One  also  tests  the  pulsation  of  the  arteries  on  the 
fetlock,  an  increased  throbbing  invariably  pointing  to  an 
acute  inflammation  of  the  podophyllous  membrane.  This 
latter  symptom  can  also  be  produced  to  some  extent  by  any 
pressure  upon  the  blood  vessels  of  that  region,  as,  for 
instance,  swellings  of  the  skin  or  subcutis  about  the  coronet 
or  fetlock ;  but  the  pulsation  thus  brought  on  is  never  as 
intense  as  the  one  following  an  acute  inflammation,  and 
really  is  more  a  fulness  of  those  vessels. 

A  positive  diagnosis  of  an  acute  inflammatory  process 
within  the  horny  box  can  be  made  if  there  is  an  absence  of 
swelling  along  the  phalanges  and  presence  of  increased 
throbbing  in  the  arteries  along  the  fetlock.  Even  then  the 
pulsation  in  the  arteries  of  the  lame  foot  is  to  be  compared 
with  that  of  the  sound  one.  Of  course  the  increased 
pulsation  following  exercise  is  not  to  be  mistaken  as  an 
indication  of  disease. 


16  LAMENESS   IN   THE   HOESE. 

On  the  whole  it  is  well  to  examine  an  animal  for 
lameness  after  it  has  rested  some  time,  while  again  a  great 
many  horses  can  be  examined  to  advantage  immediately  on 
being  presented  for  examination. 

The  temperature  of  the  hoof  is  also  of  interest,  remem- 
bering the  fact  that  the  posterior  part  of  the  hoof  is 
naturally  warmer  than  the  balance  of  it,  as  that  region  is 
more  richly  supplied  with  blood  and  the  horn  is  thinner. 
For  this  reason  it  is  best  to  individually  examine  the  various 
regions  of  the  hoof,  using  the  same  part  of  the  hand  for 
each  one.  For  instance,  the  one  hand  is  allowed  to  rest 
upon  the  toe  of  the  lame  foot  while  the  other  hand  rests  on 
the  same  part  of  the  sound  foot,  comparing  the  impression 
made  upon  both  hands.  In  a  similar  manner  ail  parts  are 
gone  over. 

Palpation  is  also  of  value  to  detect  pain.  The  instru- 
ments employed  are  a  light  hammer  and  hoof  testers. 

Ill  order  to  avoid  errors,  that  is,  to  interpret  the  obtained 
results  correctly,  quite  some  practice  and  judgment  are 
required,  as  too  strong  a  pressure  may  produce  pain  even 
in  a  sound  hoof,  while  too  light  a  pressure  in  a  diseased 
hoof  gives  negative  results.  Generally  speaking,  the  proper 
amount  of  pressure  is  then  applied,  when  the  horn  yields 
just  a  little  ;  if  this  is  not  productive  of  pain,  evinced  by  the 
attempts  of  the  animal  to  withdraw  the  foot,  one  may  be 
reasonably  sure  that  the  spot  borne  upon  is  not  the  seat  of 
pain. 

As  a  rule,  it  is  safest  to  begin  testing  the  hoof  where  no 
disease  is  supposed  to  exist,  thus  to  find  out  the  degree  of 
elasticity  and  sensibility  of  the  region  about  to  be  examined. 
To  complete  the  test,  the  various  parts  pinched  by  the  hoof 
tester  are  lightly   tajjped    with  the  hammer,  in   order   to 


DETECTION  OE  THE  SEAT  OF  LAMENESS.  17 

confirm  the  diaguosis  made  by  the  hoof  tester ;  and  under 
certain  conditions  a  diaguosis  can  only  be  arrived  at  by  the 
percussion  sound  of  the  hammer. 

If  the  examination  reveals  disease,  the  shoe  must  be 
removed.  If  necessary,  the  sole  should  be  pared,  the 
condition  of  the  white  line  being  of  particular  interest,  and 
all  loose  shreds  of  the  frog  are  to  be  cut  off.  Foreign 
bodies  are  usually  found  when  the  sole  is  cut  out. 

If  any  portion  of  the  sole  indicates  by  its  color  or  its 
friable  consistency  a  diseased  state,  or  if  the  painful  spot 
pressed  upon  by  the  hcof  pincer  shows  a  nail-hole,  further 
examination  with  the  searching  knife  is  imperative,  and  in 
the  latter  case  the  nail-hole  is  to  be  traced  until  either  an 
abscess  is  found  or  that  part  of  the  white  line  where  the 
nail  entered  the  horny  wall. 

In  all  cases  of  hoof  lameness  the  pulsation  of  the  artery 
along  the  shin  bone,  or  those  along  the  fetlock,  must  be 
taken  into  consideration,  and  undue  throbbing  or  fullness 
of  these  vessels  must  be  followed  by  a  careful,  S3'stematic 
examination  of  the  hoof. 

Finall}',  it  is  well  to  remember  that  the  swelling'of  the 
subcutis  along  the  flexor  tendons — the  result  of  inflammation 
of  the  podophyllous  meoibrane — being  oedematous  and 
painless,  should  exclude  an  error  as  to  the  diagnosis  of 
inflammation  of  the  flexor  tendons. 

Completion  of  the  examination  of  the  hoof  is  followed 
by  inspection  and  palpation  of  the  i)halangeal  articulations, 
bestowing  special  care  upon  the  joints  below  the  knee 
or  hock,  observing  them  from  various  points  of  view, 
always  comparing  them  with  the  corresponding  part  of  the 
sound  leg. 

Knee,  fore-arm  and  shoulder  receive  similar  attention. 


18  LAMENESS   IN   THE   HORSE. 

Ill  the  latter  one  looks  for  muscular  atrophy,  but  this 
symptom  must  not  be  credited  immediately  as  the  seat  of 
lameness,  since  in  all  chronic  or  severe  forms  of  lameness 
atrophied  muscles  may  be  expected  ;  but  atrophy  of  certain 
groups  of  muscles,  especially  the  antea  and  postea  spinatus, 
or  the  olecranian  muscles,  justly  hints  at  the  seat  of 
lameness. 

The  examination  of  the  hind-leg  does  not  differ  mate- 
rially from  that  of  the  fore-leg.  The  inner  surface  of  the 
hock  requires  close  attention,  a  thorough  knowledge  of  the 
anatomy  of  that  region,  a  good  deal  of  practice  and 
discretion  whenever  an  attempt  is  made  to  locate  a  spavin, 
and  it  is  essential  that  the  observer  takes  the  same  position 
in  viewing  and  comparing  the  contour  of  both  hocks. 

First,  the  anterior  part  of  the  inner  surface  of  the  tarsus 
is  viewed  by  standing  a  little  to  one  side  of  the  fore-leg; 
then,  by  sighting  the  hock  from  between  both  fore-legs,  the 
middle  of  the  internal  hock  surface  can  be  criticised,  the 
posterior  portion  of  the  internal  face  of  the  hock  being 
looked  at  from  behind. 

Sometimes  the  length  or  roughness  of  the  hair  interferes 
with  the  recognition  of  the  contour  of  the  joint ;  then  the 
hair  should  be  moistened  to  make  it  lie  close  to  the  skin. 
Horses  with  sickle-shaped  hocks  may  mislead  the  observer, 
as  the  bones  at  the  inner  and  posterior  part  of  the  hock  are 
naturally  enlarged  ;  at  the  same  time,  in  some  horses  one 
particular  bone  may  be  enlarged,  and  if  the  same  bone 
is  equally  large  in  the  other  hock,  spavin  cannot  be 
pronounced. 

The  middle  and  lower  layer  of  hock  bones  are  sometimes 
divided  by  distinct  grooves,  which  give  rise  to  ridges,  and 
the  greater  development  of  the  inner  metacarpal  bone  must 


DETECTION   OF  THE   SEAT   OF  LAMENESS.  19 

not  be  mistaken  for  a  spavin.  In  these  cases  the  ridges  are 
found  on  both  hocks,  and  as  they  are  situated  along  the 
center  of  the  bone  and  not  its  edge,  this,  together  with  the 
fact  that  other  bones  of  the  bony  frame  are  naturally 
enlarged, — for  instance,  the  knee  bones,  easily  detected  by 
inspection  and  palpation, — helps  to  avoid  errors. 

The  gluteal  region  is  inspected  for  muscular  atrophy, 
changes  in  the  shape  of  the  external  angle  of  the  ilium  and 
the  postero-external  angle  of  the  ischium. 

Whenever  the  animal  is  subjected  to  such  a  methodical 
examination,  one  rarely  fails  to  find  some  pathological 
condition,  as  swelling,  heat,  pain,  etc.,  subsequently^  to  be 
examined  by  palpation. 

In  palpating,  the  situation,  consistency,  form  and  extent 
of  the  lesion  require  the  attention  of  the  one  conducting  the 
examination.  To  interpret  pain,  the  possible  result  of 
palpation,  demands  great  care,  especially  when  palpating  the 
flexor  tendons  of  the  phalanges,  as  even  moderate  pressure 
upon  them  causes  some  patients  to  flinch.  By  gliding  the 
thumb  and  index  finger  over  the  flexor  pedis  perforans  and 
perforatus  from  above  to  below,  with  the  leg  resting  on  the 
ground,  enlargements,  ruptures,  etc.,  can  be  detected,  but 
pain  in  these  structures  must  not  be  considered  a  symptom 
of  disease  unless  palpation  is  conducted  with  the  foot  raised 
from  the  ground. 

In  palpating  the  metacarpal  bones,  the  thumb  rests 
against  the  region  of  the  external  face  of  the  bone,  while  the 
balance  of  the  fingers  touch  the  internal  face ;  in  this 
manner  the  pain  of  periostitis  or  exostoses, — that  is, 
splints, — can  be  nicely  felt,  and  mostly  in  the  groove  formed 
by  the  small  and  large  metacarpal  bones. 

Certain  precautions  are  necessary  in  palpating  the  region 


20  LAMENESS   IN  THE   HORSE. 

of  the  shoulder,  as  even  moderate  pressure  with  the  hand 
against  siugle  muscles  or  groups  of  them  produces  flinching 
in  animals  perfectly  sound ;  therefore,  in  the  detection  of 
pain  by  palpation,  it  is  well  to  test  the  sensibility  not  only 
of  the  supposed  seat  of  the  lameness,  but  also  the  corre- 
sponding part  on  the  sound  leg. 

Increase  of  temperature  of  any  part  is  perceived  by  the 
palm,  or,  better  yet,  the  dorsal  portion  of  the  hand.  Of 
course  the  greater  the  inflamed  area  the  easier  the  detection 
of  it.  A  good  deal  depends  on  the  condition  of  the 
examining  hand,  a  cold  hand  being  least  adapted  to 
appreciate  differences  of  temperature.  At  the  same  time 
the  hand  must  be  rested  gently  upon  the  parts  to  be  tested, 
keeping  it  there  for  a  few  seconds,  remembering  that  any 
firm  pressure  decreases  the  chances  to  notice  slight  changes 
in  temperature.  The  test  is  usually  executed  by  resting 
both  hands  (equally  warm),  one  on  the  diseased  area  and 
the  other  upon  the  corresponding  one  of  the  sound  limb. 
Acute  inflammatory  processes  of  the  skin  or  parts  below  it 
are  recognized  by  an  increase  of  tempeiature ;  increased 
heat  of  a  part  may  be  due  to  prolonged  resting  of  the  hand 
upon  the  place  to  be  tested. 

Palpation  is  further  of  value  to  detect  crepitation,  as  in 
fractures  or  inflammation  of  tendons  and  their  sheaths.  To 
examine  for  fracture,  the  parts  just  above  the  supposed 
broken  bone  are  fixed,  and  the  parts  below  the  injury  are 
abducted,  adducted  and  rotated  to  bring  out  abnormal 
mobility  and  crepitation.  lu  fractures  of  the  pelvis  one 
hand  is  placed  upon  the  external  angle  of  the  ilium,  the 
other  one  upon  the  postero-external  angle  of  the  ischium, 
then  piishiug  toward  the  opposite  side ;  or  the  animal  is 
walked   with   the   hands    resting    upon   the    above-named 


DETECTION    OF   THE    SEAT    OF   LAMENESS.  21 

regions.  Either  method  luaj  bring  out  crepitation  and 
occasionally  mobility.  Examination  per  rectum  also  is  of 
great  value  in  these  fractures. 

In  disease  of  the  tendon  of  the  gluteus  medius  muscle  or 
postea  spinatus  tendon,  the  crepitation  peculiar  to  this 
trouble  is  differentiated  from  that  of  a  fracture  by  its  softer 
character.  It  is  felt  by  placing  the  hand  upon  the  tendon 
of  the  muscle  while  walking  the  animal.  Pain  on  rotation 
of  a  joint  indicates  articular  trouble,  especially  of  the 
phalangeal  articulations.  In  such  a  case  the  leg  is  picked 
up  as  in  shoeing,  oue  hand  fixing  it  above  the  articulation 
to  be  examined  and  the  other  hand  practicing  a  strong  and 
steady  rotation.  If  the  pain  in  the  joint  or  its  ligaments  is 
slight,  passive  rotation  may  give  negative  results ;  therefore 
the  absence  of  pain  on  rotating  a  joint  does  not  invariably 
exclude  its  being  diseased. 

Artificial  movement  of  the  upper  joints, — that  is,  those 
above  the  knee  or  hock, — with  a  view  to  locate  abnormal 
couditions,  is  of  but  little  value,  unless  it  be  to  test  for 
limited  mobility. 

In  examining  the  carpus  for  stiffness,  it  is  imperative  to 
have  the  angle  of  the  elbow  and  shoulder  joint  in  both  legs 
exactly  alike,  since  a  difference  in  their  respective  positions 
might  lead  to  errors,  as  both  knees  must  be  tested  and  the 
results  compared. 

Pain  in  the  region  of  the  shoulder  occasionally  is  dis- 
cernible by  artificially  extending  the  arm  forward  and 
backward,  abducting  and  adducting  it;  but  the  impatient 
motions,  of  a  nervous  animal  must  not  be  confounded  with 
pain  the  result  of  that  test. 

Examination  of  the  pelvic  cavity  per  rectum  may  become 
necessary   to   diagnose   fractures    of    the    pelvic   bones  or 


22  LAMENESS   IN   THE   HORSE. 

tlirombosis  of  the  posterior  aorta  aucl  its  branches.  For 
this  purpose  the  fingers  of  the  hand  are  shaped  like  a  cone, 
hand  and  arm  moistened.  The  other  hand  pushes  the  tail 
to  one  side,  and  with  a  rotatory  movement  the  moistened 
hand  is  introduced  into  the  rectum ;  faeces  are  removed  by 
the  hand.  To  feel  for  thrombosis  of  the  posterior  aorta, 
iliac  and  femoral  artery,  search  first  for  the  posterior  aorta, 
the  pulsations  of  which  can  be  distinctly  felt ;  now  proceed 
along  the  course  of  the  vessel  on  one  side  and  then  on  the 
other.  In  cases  of  thrombosis  pulsations  are  either  absent 
or  a  slight  trickling  feeling  is  imparted  to  the  finger,  the 
obstructed  vessel  being  abnormally  hard.  Here  as  else- 
where the  vessel  on  the  opposite  side  must  also  be  examined 
and  the  results  compared,  to  avoid  errors. 

To  locate  fracture  of  the  pelvic  bones  the  hand  and 
fingers  palpate  the  floor  and  sides  of  the  pelvis  ;  if  no  fissure 
can  be  found  by  simple  palpation,  it  is  well  to  let  somebody 
push  one  hindquarter  toward  the  other  one,  which  may 
cause  a  displacement  of  the  fractured  parts,  easily  detected 
by  the  examining  hand.  In  this  manner  crepitation  may 
also  be  brought  out.  In  luxation  of  the  head  of  the  femur 
into  the  foramen  ovale  its  head  can  be  felt,  especially  when 
the  affected  leg  is  moved. 

An  important  question  often  arises  while  examining  an 
animal  for  lameness,  viz.:  Is  the  abnormality  found  the 
cause  of  the  present  lameness  ?  In  answer  to  that  question, 
the  following  points  are  to  be  considered  : 

1.  Compare  the  degree  of  lameness  with  the  pain 
resulting  from  palpation  of  the  diseased  part.  If  the 
lameness  is  out  of  proportion  to  the  pain  produced  by  the 
local  examination,  care  is  necessary  to  avoid  mistakes.  In 
such  cases  the  examination  is  to  be  continued  until  another 


DETECTION  OF  THE  SEAT  OF  LAMEKESS.         23 

cause  is  found  to  explain  the  lameness,  or  the  absence  of 
such  a  cause  is  established  beyond  a  doubt. 

2.  The  duration  of  the  lameness  and  the  natiire  of  any- 
anatomical  change  are  to  be  compared.  If  the  lameness  is  of 
recent  origin  and  the  pathological  condition  an  old  one,  or 
when  the  lameness  is  of  long  standing  and  the  pathological 
condition  of  recent  date,  it  is  clear  that  one  cannot  be 
directly  connected  with  the  other. 

3.  Compare  the  influence  which  the  present  abnormality 
has  upon  the  physiological  functions  of  the  limb  with  the 
nature  of  the  existing  functional  disturbance. 

Splints  and  thrush  are  frequently  looked  upon  as  causes 
of  lameness,  but  an  exostosis  only  causes  lameness  when 
periostitis  is  present,  recognized  by  palpation,  or  when  such 
an  exostosis  mechanically  obstructs  the  movement  of  a 
joint.  Thrush  rarely  causes  lanieness,  excepting  in 
contracted  feet,— the  latter,  in  my  mind,  being  the  main 
cause  of  lameness ;  but  thrush  itself  will  cause  lameness 
whenever  the  horny  frog  is  destroyed  to  such  an  extent  that 
it  no  longer  protects  the  sensitive  frog  from  undue  pressure. 
Generally  lameness  is  accompanied  by  distinct  anatomical 
changes,  and  the  seat  of  it  can  thus  be  located ;  but 
lameness  depending  on  paralysis  does  not  show  any 
anatomical  changes  at  first;  the  diagnosis  therefore  is  based 
upon  the  functional  disturbance  and  the  absence  of  pain. 

For  a  number  of  years  hypodermic  injections  of 
cocaine  over  the  plantar  nerves  at  the  fetlock  have  been 
resorted  to,  to  help  locating  the  seat  of  the  lameness, 
especially  in  cases  of  mixed  lameness,  whoe  doubt  prevailed 
as  to  whether  the  pathological  conditions  above  or  below 
the  fetlock  caused  the  lameness.  As  a  rule,  5  to  10  drops  of 
a  10  per  cent,  solution  of  cocaine  were  iujected  on  either  side 


24  LAMENESS   IN   THE   HORSE. 

of  the  fetlock,  the  auimal  left  to  itself  eight  to  teu  minutes, 
and  then  trotted.  If  the  lameness  disappeared  after  such  an 
injection,  the  seat  of  the  trouble  was  uecessaril}'  below  the 
point  of  injection.  The  writer  has  abandoned  this  practice, 
because  the  lame  animal  frequently  becomes  greatly  excited, 
even  when  less  cocaine  is  introduced,  and  in  his  opinion  the 
results  of  the  injection,  which  ought  to  be  made  aseptically 
to  avoid  complications,  are  not  sufficiently  satisfactory  to 
warrant  its  use  as  a  diagnostic  agent  in  such  cases. 


CHAPTER  III. 


LAMENESS  IN  THE   FORE-LEG. 


Anatomo-Physiological  Review. 

The  fore-leg  supports  the  bodj  while  at  rest,  hanging 
from  the  body  and  swinging  forward  during  movement. 
In  the  former  position  it  is  known  as  the  supporting  leg,  in 
the  latter  as  the  swinging  leg.  Aponeuroses  and  muscles 
interwoven  with  fibrous  tissue,— and  of  these  the  serratus 
magnus  is  the  most  important  one,— firmly  unite  the  scapula 
and  humerus  to  the  body.  A  solid  connection  between  the 
limb  and  body,  entirely  independent  of  purely  muscular 
elements,  exists.  This  fibrous  union  diminishes  concussion, 
helps  carry  the  weight  of  the  body,  and  finally  holds  the  limb 
in  place.  Some  muscles  of  that  region  are  traversed  by  a 
strong  fibrous  cord,  especially  the  flexor  brachii,  and  nearly 
all  the  muscles  below  the  elbow  show  fibrous  intersections 
from  their  origin  to  their  movable  insertion.  In  this  manner 
union  and  harmonious  working  of  the  articulations  is 
established. 

Flexion  of  the  shoulder  joint  is  limited  by  the  flexor 
brachii,  it  acting  as  a  check  to  the  joint  in  the  supporting  leg. 
The  phalanges,  so  to  speak,  rest  upon  the  flexor  tendons,  as 
they  are  firmly  united  to  them  at  the  lower  part  of  the  leg. 
Consequently  tightening  of  the  flexors  immobilizes  all 
joints  below  the  elbow  joint,  without  expenditure  of  muscular 


26  LAMENESS   IN   THE   HORSE. 

energy.  The  elbow  joint  is  made  immovable  by  the  flexor 
muscles  and  their  aponeuroses.  Lateral  motion  of  all  joints 
below  the  elbow  joint  is  inhibited  by  the  shape  of  the 
articular  surfaces  and  the  ligaments  ;  only  the  shoulder 
joint  forms  an  exception,  as  ligaments  are  here  replaced  by 
the  postea-spinatus  muscle,  flexor  brachii,  the  large  extensor 
of  the  fore-arm,  teres  minor,  the  short  abductor  of  the  arm, 
and,  on  the  internal  face,  the  wide  and  stroug  tendon  of  the 
subscapularis  muscle  and  teres  major.  The  elasticity  of 
these  muscles  and  their  aponeuroses  fix  the  shoulder  joint 
sufficiently  to  prevent  uudue  lateral  motion. 

The  horse,  as  is  well  known,  can"  stand  up  for  days 
without  getting  tired,  since  all  the  joints  of  the  supporting 
leg  can  be  fixed  without  the  aid  of  muscular  elements. 
During  movement  this  mechanism,  fixing  all  joints  while  at 
rest,  has  another  important  duty  to  perform,  it  receiving  the 
shock  coming  from  the  weight  of  the  body,  which  the  elastic 
muscular  elements  could  never  stand.  This  inelastic 
check-apparatus  therefore  prevents  collapse  of  the  whole 
limb  wdienever  weight  is  thrown  upon  it,  and  consequently 
the  fibrous  parts  of  the  flexors,  but  never  their  muscular 
portion,  sustain  injury  from  concussion.  The  forward 
stride, — that  is,  the  action  of  the  swinging  leg, — is  partly 
due  to  the  weight  of  the  foot,  but  mainly  depends  upon  the 
mastoido-humeralis,  antea-spinatus,  biceps  brachii,  and 
coraco-humeralis  muscles  While  these  muscles  advance 
and  extend  the  shoulder  joint  the  elbow  joint  is  flexed,  this 
greatly  facilitating  the  forward  motion  of  the  leg.  Thte 
olecranian  muscles  extend  the  elbow  joint ;  at  the  sam:) 
time  they  extend  all  joints  below  it,  as  the  extensor  muscles, 
like  the  flexors,  have  fibrous  cords  running  through  them, 
being  also  covered  with  aponeuroses.     Whenever  the  elbow 


LAMENESS   IN   THE   FORE-LEG.  27 

joiut  is  flexed,  the  flexor  muscles  are  tightened;  extension 
of  that  joint  is  followed  by  tightening  of  the  extensor 
muscles  of  the  foot,  and  consequently  extension  of  the 
phalangeal  articulations.  The  action  of  the  swinging  leg 
takes  place  as  follows :  at  the  moment  the  supporting  leg 
has  finished  its  work  it  points  obliquely  downward  and 
backward  ;  now  the  weight  borne  by  the  one  supporting  leg  is 
transferred  to  the  other  one,  the  strained  tendons  and 
aponeuroses  of  the  first  leg  are  relieved,  the  flexors  and 
their  check  ligament  become  slackened,  and  the  phalanges 
advance  ;  this  is  partly  brought  about  by  the  action  of  the 
flexors,  greatly  assisted  by  the  elasticity  of  the  fascine  of 
the  fore-arm  ;  now  the  mastoido-humeralis  and  some  of  the 
pectoral  muscles  also  act,  the  extensors  of  the  shoulder  joint 
and  flexors  of  the  elbow  joint,  principally  the  biceps  brachii, 
coraco-humeralis,  antea-spinatus  muscles,  and  the  leg  swings 
forward.  Thus  the  first  half  of  the  pendulum-like  motion 
of  the  swinging  leg  is  made.  While  the  muscles  moving  the 
scapula  and  those  extending  the  shoulder  joint  continue  to 
act,  the  other  joints  are  extended.  A  gradually  increasing 
flexion  of  all  joints  from  the  elbow  joint  downward 
accompanies  the  first  half  of  the  swinging  leg.  The  second 
half  of  the  forward  stride  shows  extension  of  all  joints  of  the 
leg.  The  above  indicates  that  the  function  of  the  swinging 
leg  depends  chiefly  on  the  action  of  the  muscles,  the  first 
part  of  the  forward  stride  on  the  muscles  of  the  shoulder, 
mastoido-humeralis,  biceps  brachii,  coraco-humer.ilis  and 
"^-ntea-spinatus ;  in  the  second  half,  the  olecranian  muscles 
and  extensors  of  the  fore-arm  assist  the  advancement  of  ths 
leg  b}^  extending  all  joints,  and  gradually  change  the  swinging 
leg  into  the  supporting  leg.  In  the  supporting  leg  the 
muscular    elements     are     more     or     less    at    rest,    being 


LAMENESS   IX  THE   HORSE. 


replaced  by  the  teudoiis,  suspensory  ligaments,  aponeuroses 
and  fibrous  intersections  of  their  muscles,  which  unite  the 


Fig.  1. 
1,  Upper  Insertion  of  the  Flexor  Brachii ;  2,  Lower  insertion  of  the 
Flexor  Brachii ;  3,  Axis  of  the  Elbow  Joint;  4,  Lower  Insertion  of 
the  Flexor  Pedis  Perforans:  5,  Check  Ligaments;  6,  Flexor  Petlis 
Perforatus  and  Perforans  at  the  Sesamoid  Bones;  7,  Upper  Inser- 
tion of  the  Extensor  Muscles;  8,  Lower  Insertion  of  the  Extensor 
Pedis;  9,  Upper  Insertion  of  tlie  Flexor  Muscles. 

articulations  so  firmly  that  the  entire  leg  becomes  a  solid 
column  able  to  sustain  the  weight  of  the  body  without  the 
aid  of  muscles. 

Taking   the    above    into   consideration,  it  is  clear  that 
lameness  must  be  divided  into  that  of  the  smnging  leg  and 


L^iMENESS   IN   THE   FORE  LEG.  29 

that  of  the  supporting  leg.  The  former  alludes  to  diseased 
conditions  of  muscles  mainly,  the  latter  of  bones,  tendons, 
ligaments  and  the  hoof.  Diseases  of  joints,  tendon  sheaths 
and  periosteum  cause  a  mixed  lameness,  that  is  a 
combination  of  the  above.  Swinging-leg  lameness  refers  to 
those  lamenesses  characterized  by  an  imperfect  forward 
stride,  whereas  supporting-leg  lameness  shows  itself  when 
the  leg  supports  the  weight  of  the  body. 

In  quadrupeds  one  step  consists  of  the  distance  between 
the  foot-prints  made  by  one  and  the  same  leg.  The  step  of 
the  horse,  therefore,  may  be  divided  into  two  halves.  The 
first  half  is  in  back  of,  or  posterior  to ;  the  second  half  in 
front  of,  or  anterior  to,  the  foot-prinfc  of  the  opposite  leg. 
Thus  the  normal  step  may  be  said  to  show  two  equal  halves, 
as  the  distance  of  the  foot-prints  of  one  leg  is  equally 
divided  by  the  other,  the  opposite  leg. 

Lameness  does  not  alter  the  length  of  the  stride,  since 
the  lame  leg  has  to  cover  the  same  distance  as  the  sound 
one  ;  hence  it  must  take  an  equall}'  lo"o  step.  But  lameness 
causes  a  shortening  of  either  the  posterior  or  anterior  half 
of  the  step.  In  swinging-leg  lameness  the  lame  limb  does 
not  advance  in  the  regular  manner,  and  does  not  step  the 
the  fall  distance  beyond  the  foot-print  of  the  sound  leg. 
For  this  reason  the  second  or  anterior  half  of  the  step  taken 
by  the  lame  leg  appears  shortened.  The  reverse  is  true  of 
supporting-leg  lameness.  Here  the  lame  leg  is  advanced 
properly,  but  putting  weight  upon  the  lame  leg  is  painful, 
inducing  the  animal  not  only  to  step  shorter  with  the  sound 
leg,  but  also  to  place  it  quicker  to  the  ground.  As  a 
consequence,  the  posterior  half  of  the  lame  leg's  step  is 
necessarily  shortened.  In  order  to  see  this,  the  lame  animal 
is  led  by  the  observer  at  a  distance  of  three  or  four  yards, 


30  LAMENESS  IN  THE   HORSE. 

he  closely  watching  the  distance  between  both  feet  as  they 
are  placed  before  each  other  upon  the  ground. 

Swinging-leg  lameness  can  be  divided  into  two  main 
groups. 

Swinging-leg  lameness,  with  a  retarded  and  apparently 
shortened  stride,  is  present  in : 

1.  Diseased  states,  usually  of  an  inflammatory  nature,  of 
muscles,  tendons  or  their  sheaths,  as  of  the  mastoido- 
humeralis,  coraco-humeralis  and  antea-spinatus. 

2.  Inflammatory  processes  of  the  shoulder  and  elbow 
joint. 

3.  Painful  conditions  in  the  region  of  the  shoulder  joints 
as  swelling  of  the  prescapular  and  axillary  glands. 

4.  Paralysis  of  the  axillary  nerve  plexus. 

5.  Periostitis. 

6.  Inflammatory  conditions  of  the  skin  of  the  phalangeal 
region,  lameness  disappearing  after  a  few  steps  have  been 
taken. 

Swinging-leg  lameness,  with  irregular  movement  of  the 
limb,  as  incomplete  extension,  is  present  in  : 

1.  Paralysis  of  the  olecranian  muscles. 

2.  Extensive  lacerations  of  the  olecranian  muscles. 

3.  Transverse  fracture  of  the  ulna. 

4  Hupture  of  the  extensors  of  the  metacarpus  and  foot. 

Supporting-leg  lameness  is  much  more  frequent  than 
swinging-leg  lameness,  because  all  diseases  of  the  hoof  give 
rise  to  it.     It  can  be  divided  into  three  main  groups : 

Supporting-leg  lameness,  with  shortening  of  the  period 
of  weight-bearing  and  posterior  half  of  the  step,  is  present  in  : 

1.  Diseases  of  the  bones,  as  fractures,  fissures  and 
periostitis,  especially  of  the  phalanges  ;  less  so  of  other 
bones. 


LAMENESS   IN   THE   FOEE-LEG.  31 

2.  Peri- arthritis,  mainly  of  the  phalangeal  articulations ; 
lameness  is  intensified  by  turning  the  animal  quickly  on  the 
diseased  leg  or  exercising  it  in  a  small  circle.  When  at  rest 
the  horse  puts  the  foot  down  cautiously,  and  it  is  gradually 
weighted. 

3.  Diseases  of  the  ligaments,  tendons  and  tendon  sheaths 
of  the  inhibitory  apparatus,  especially  the  inferior  and 
superior  sesamoidal  ligaments,  the  flexor  pedis  perforans 
and  perforatus,  and  posterior  ligaments  of  the  coronet  joint ; 
also  in  navicular  disease.  In  severe  pain  the  fetlock 
becomes  upright ;  this  position  is  always  seen  when  the 
tendons  are  shortened. 

4.  Hoof  diseases. 

Lamenesses  of  this  group  are  characterized  by  an 
omission  or  shortening  of  the  period  of  weight-bearing. 
When  at  rest  the  animal  is  apt  to  point,  and,  should  both 
feet  be  affected,  the  weight  is  frequently  shifted  from  one 
leg  to  the  other  one.  The  sound  leg  is  brought  forward 
quicker  than  normally,  as  the  lame  leg  experiences  pain  in 
sustaining  Aveight.  Although  the  lame  leg  is  advanced  at 
regular  intervals,  it  is  carried  abnormally  beyond  the  foot- 
prints of  the  sound  leg,  the  posterior  half  of  the  step  being 
shortened.  This  causes  an  apparently  retarded  action 
of  the  lame  leg,  which  may  lead  to  errors,  mistaking 
supporting-leg  lameness  for  swinging-leg  lameness.  In 
cases  of  doubt,  the  animal  is  moved  in  a  circle,  the  lame  leg 
being  on  the  inner  side  of  the  circle  ;  the  weight  is  thus 
increased  on  the  lame  leg,  and  supporting-leg  lameness 
becomes  more  pronounced  ;  for  this  reason  going  down  hill 
increases  lameness. 

Supporting-leg  lameness,  with  abnormal  position  of  the 
entire  limb,  as  abduction,  is  present  in: 


32  LAMENESS   IN  THE   HORSE. 

1.  Painful  affections  about  the  breast,  as  in  disease  of 
the  superficial  pectoral  muscle,  sternal  fistula. 

2.  Formation  of  splints,  between  the  inner  small  and 
large  metacarpal  bones,  exostoses  and  periostitis  close  to 
the  carpal  articulation. 

3.  Disease  of  the  external  lateral  ligaments  of  joints,  as 
in  distortion  of  the  coronet  joint,  ringbone,  particularly 
when  the  outer  wall  of  the  hoof  is  longer  than  the  inner  one. 

4.  Painful  conditions  of  the  muscular  or  tendinous  portion 
of  the  deltoid  or  postea-spinatus  muscles,  and  paralysis  of 
the  same. 

5.  Diseases  of  the  outer  half  of  the  hoof,  such  as  corns, 
quarter  crack,  nail-prick,  etc. 

Supporting-leg  lameness,  with  abnormal  position  of  the 
entire  limb,  as  adduction,  is  present  in : 

1.  Disease  of  the  shoulder  joint ;  this  often  causes  the 
tendon  of  the  postea-spinatus  to  become  quite  prominent. 

2.  Diseased  condition  of  the  subscapularis  and  teres 
major  muscles,  which  is  often  overlooked  on  account  of  the 
hidden  position  of  these  muscles. 

3.  Hoof  diseases. 

Supporting-leg  lameness,  with  abnormal  position  of  the 
entire  limb,  as  pointing  backwards,  is  present  in : 

1.  Inflammation  of  the  flexor  brachii  and  its  bursa. 

2.  Diseased  couditions  of  the  posterior  section  of  the 
hoof,  as  corns,  contracted  heels,  disease  of  the  plantar 
cushion. 

Supporting-leg  lameness,  with  abnormal  position  of  the 
entire  limb,  as  pointing  forward,  is  present  in  : 

1.  Hoof  diseases,  as  founder  and  navicular  disease. 

2.  Diseases  of  tendons  and  their  sheaths. 


LAMENESS   IN  THE   FOEE-LEG.  33 

Supporting-leg  lameness,  with  abnormal  position  and 
movement  of  individual  parts  of  the  leg  : 

1.  Abduction  of  the  shoulder  at  the  moment  the  sup- 
porting leg  is  in  a- perpendicular  position,  as  in  paralysis  of 
the  teres  minor,  postea-spinatus  and  deltoid  muscles.  If  the 
suprascapular  nerve  is  paralyzed  the  animal  cannot  step 
sideways. 

2.  Abnormal  flexion  of  the  shoulder  joint,  as  in  rupture 
of  the  flexor  brachii. 

3.  Abnormal  flexion  of  the  elbow  joint,  as  in  rupture  of 
the  flexors  of  the  metacarpus  and  in  fractures,  causing  a 
loosening  of  their  insertion. 

4.  Abnormal  extension  of  the  elbow  joint,  as  in  contrac- 
tions of  the  olecranian  muscles. 

5.  Abduction  of  the  leg  from  the  elbow  downwards,  as  in 
rupture  of  the  external  ligament  of  the  elbow  joint. 

6.  Volar  flexion  of  the  carpus,  as  in  corns,  contracted 
heels.  In  these  cases  the  horse  usually  points  backward 
and  the  fetlock  is  upright. 

7.  Dorsal  flexion  of  the  carpus,  as  in  rupture  of  the 
flexors  of  the  metacarpus,  fracture  of  the  pisiform  bone  and 
imperfectly  healed  fracture  of  one  of  the  condyles  of  the 
humerus.  It  is  usually  seen  at  the  moment  the  function  of 
the  supporting  leg  begins,  or,  more  rarely,  while  the  animal 
is  standing  quietly. 

8.  Dorsal  flexion  of  the  phalanges,  especially  the  fetlock 
joint,  as  in  rapture  of  the  flexor  tendons.  If  all  tear  at 
once,  the  fetlock  may  descend  to  the  ground  ;  if  the  suspen- 
sory ligament  only  ruptures,  the  fetlock  goes  dowu  some- 
what ;  if  the  perforatus,  the  toe  is  turned  up  a  little  ;  while 
rupture  of  the  perforans  causes  the  fetlock  to  descend 
materially,  and  the  toe  of  the  hoof  is  turned  up  decidedly, 


34 


LAMENESS   IN   THE   HORSE. 


the  hoof  resting  on  the  heel  only.  Horizontal  fracture  of 
the  sesamoid  bones,  rupture  of  the  inferior  sesamoidal 
ligament. 


Fig.  2. 
Rupture  of: 
1,  Suspensory  Ligament ;  2,  Flexor  Perforatus; 


Flexor  Perforans. 


9.  Yolar  flexion  of  the  phalanges,  as  in  shortening,  and 
inflammation  of  the  tendons  flexing  the  phalanges ;  if  pain 
and  inflammation  are  not  severe,  volar  flexion  of  the  fetlock 
joint  disappears  on  cessation  of  the  inflammatory  process, 
but  if  it  persists  a  long  time,  volar  flexion  of  the  fetlock  and 
carpus  are  permanent.  Acute  inflammatory  processes  in 
the  sheaths  of  the  flexors,  especially  the  flexor  pedis  per- 
forans ;  sesamoidal  and  navicular  sheaths,  inflammatory 
conditions  of  the  phalangeal  articulations,  as  synovitis,  peri- 
arthritis, mainly  about  the  coronet  and  pedal  articulation; 
painful  conditions  in  the  posterior  region  of  the  hoof,  as 
corns  and  similar  affections ;  disease  of  these  parts,  often 
followed  by  cedematous  swellings  of  the  subcutis  near  the 
flexor  tendons,  may  be  mistaken  for  disease  of  the  flexor 
tendons.  Volar  flexion  of  the  phalanges  may  or  may  not  be 
accompanied  by  lameness.  If  it  depends  on  chronic  changes 
of  the  flexors,  both  legs  are  usually  deformed,  and  a  short 
and  stumbling  gait  results. 


CHAPTER  IV. 


LAMENESS    IN    THE    REGION    OF   THE 
SHOULDER. 


1.— Shoulder  Lameness. 

This  ambiguous  term  is  applied  to  all  those  diseasea 
couditions  of  the  region  of  the  shoulder  which  cannot  be 
clearly  recognized  clinically.  Since  the  shoulder  is  covered 
by  the  main  organs  of  locouiotion,  it  is  natural  that  there  is 
more  or  less  similarity  in  the  symptoms  shown. 

Lameness  is  indicated,  as  a  rule,  by  a  limited  motion 
when  the  leg  is  carried  forward,  the  foot  is  advanced  slowly 
and  imperfectly,  often  describing  an  outward  circle  during 
the  forward  stride  '■  when  standing  still,  the  leg  may  or  may 
not  be  flexed,  resting  on  the  toe.  Moving  on  uneven  ground, 
the  toe  is  liable  to  trip ;  going  up  hill  or  trotting  in  a  circle, 
with  the  lame  leg  on  the  outside  of  the  circle,  increases 
lameness.  While  trotting,  the  animal  frequently  nods 
decidedly  with  the  head,  "going  lame  with  its  ears,"  as  the 
Frenchman  says  Backing  is  difficult,  and  the  leg  is  usually 
dragged  along  the  ground.  Lameness  on  hard  or  soft  ground 
is  about  the  same,  the  animal  possibly  going  a  little  lamer 
on  soft  than  on  hard  ground.  In  disease  of  the  levators  of 
the  fore-arm,  ]iassive  movements  in  a  forward,  backward  and 
inward  direction,  produce  pain.  Atrophy  of  muscles  in 
chronic  lameness  is  not  to  be  relied  upon  too  much,  for  it 
dors   not  alwavs  indicate  the  seat  of  the  disease.     From  a 


36  LAMENESS   IN   THE   HORSE. 

clinical   standpoint,   it   is   well   to    classify   this    lameness 
according  to  its  approximate  seat,  extent  and  nature. 

DISEASED    CONDITIONS    OF   THE    SHOULDER   JOINT 
AND   ITS   NEIGHBORHOOD. 

Inspection. — Swinging-leg  lameness  or  mixed  lameness. 
Turning  the  animal  suddenly  upon  the  lame  leg  may  increase 
lameness.  In  cases  of  long  standing,  atrophy  of  the  shoulder 
muscles  is  noticed. 

Palpalion. — Pcri-articular  exostoses  may  be  felt  about  the 
scapulo-humeral  articulation.  Eaising  and  lowering  the 
foot  may  cause  pain  or  show  limited  motion. 

INFLAMMATORY    SWELLINGS    AND   NEW   GROWTHS. 

Anatomy ;  Glands. — The  prescapular  r^lands  form  a  kind 
of  chain  along  the  ascending  branch  of  the  inferior  cervical 
artery,  beneath  the  mastoido-humeralis  muscle,  descending 
close  to  the  attachment  ot  the  sterno-maxillaris  muscle.  The 
brachial  glands  c-o  situated  inside  the  arm,  one  group  near 
the  ulnar  articulation,  the  other  near  the  insertion  of  the 
teres  major  and  latissimus  dorsi  muscle.     (Chauveau.) 

Inspection. — Lameness  is  most  noticeable  during  the 
forward  stride,  the  leg  Ueing  abducted  even  when  at  rest. 
Acute  or  chronic  swelling  of  the  axillary  and  prescapular 
glands  and  local  infectious  diseases  can  cause  lameness. 

Palpation. — Tumefaction  of  the  axillary  and  prescapular 
glands  may  be  felt,  as  in  glanders,  strangles  and  local 
infection. 

THROMBOSIS    OF   THE    BRACHIAL   ARTERY. 

History. — Lameness  appears  regularly  as  soon  as  the 
animal  is  sharply  worked  for  ten  or  fifteen  minutes,  the 
horse   sometimes  being  in  danger  of  falling;  after  resting 


LAMENESS   IN   THE  REGION   OF   THE  SHOULDER.  37 

about  half  an  hour  the  lameuess  disappears,  to  return  when 
again  exposed  to  active  work. 

InsiJection. — The  animal  is  apparently  all  right  when 
standing  still  or  walking,  but  becomes  very  lame  if  trotted 
briskly  for  ten  or  fifteen  minutes ;  the  lame  leg  begins  to 
tremble  and  can  no  longer  support  the  weight  of  the  body; 
the  animal  stumbles  and  may  fall.  The  horse  may  perspire 
freely,  yet  the  affected  leg  remains  dry.  When  rested  these 
symptoms  disappear,  to  reappear  on  active  work. 

Palpation. — The  lame  leg,  as  a  rule,  is  colder  to  the  touch 
than  the  sound  one. 

DISEASE   OF   THE   MUSCLES   OF   THE   SHOULDER. 

History. — Lameness  following  falls,  blows,  stopping  of  the 
horse  suddenly  while  going  at  a  fast  gait,  etc. 

Insjjection. — True  swingiug-leg  lameness,  no  pain  being 
evinced  while  the  leg  supports  weight.  More  or  less  swelling 
may  be  detected  in  one  or  the  other  muscle. 

Palpation. — Almost  invariably  swelling  and  heat  can  be 
felt  upon  careful  examination.  One  should  bear  in  mind 
that  even  animals  not  lame  almost  always  flinch  when  strong 
pressure  is  exerted  on  the  shoulder,  whereas  in  painful 
lameuess  sensation  on  pressure  is  not  always  expressed  in  a 
like  manner,  as  handling,  liniments,  blisters,  etc.,  on  the 
actual  or  supposed  seat  of  the  lameness  increase 
sensitiveness.  In  recent  cases  pain  is  caused  by  pressing 
upon  or  passively  extending  the  affected  muscles.  Single 
muscles,  as  the  mastoido-humeralis,  or  whole  groups,  as  the 
pectoral  muscles,  when  involved  require  careful  palpation. 
Drawing  the  leg  backward  is  frequently  painful.  Atrophy 
of  the  muscles  of  the  shoulder  occurs  in  cases  of  long- 
standing, being  particularly  marked  in  the  diseased  muscles. 


38  LAMENESS   IN   THE   HORSE. 

Elieumatic  lameness,  as  mostly  fouud  iu  the  mastoido- 
Lumeralis,  is  either  remittent  or  intermittent.  In  this 
trouble,  firm,  steady  pressure  does  not  seem  productive  of 
much  pain,  while  slight  and  sudden  touches,  as  tapping  the 
muscle  with  the  finger,  produces  severe  pain  and  even  violent 
contractions  of  it ;  lameness  often  disappears  on  active 
sweating  exercise,  to  return  with  more  or  less  intensity  after 
resting. 

The  writer  has  seen  a  case  of  rheumatism  of  the  mastoido- 
humeralis  which  caused  j)ermanent  lameness  by  involving 
later  on  the  flexors  of  the  phalanges,  especially  the  flexor 
pedis  perforans.  At  first  the  neck  of  the  animal  was  bent 
downward  and  to  one  side,  after  some  time  this  was  relieved, 
but  the  flexors  of  the  phalanges  became  diseased,  until  now 
the  phalanges  show  excessive  volar  flexion,  the  toe  barely 
touching  the  ground. 

CONTUSIONS    AND    DISTORTION   OF  THE    SCAPULO-HUMERAL 
ARTICULATION. 

Eistorij. — Lameness  following  falls,  slips,  and  struggling 
with  one  or  both  feet  entangled, —iu  fact,  anything  causing 
excessive  movement  of  the  joint. 

Inspection. — When  standing  still,  the  leg  is  usually 
abducted  and  rests  upon  the  toe.  There  is  swinging-leg 
lameness,  the  stride  is  shortened,  the  leg  is  moved  carefully 
and  slowly,  being  abducted  at  the  same  time.  Backing  is 
connected  with  difficulty,  the  foot  being  dragged  over  the 
ground.     There  may  be  swelling  about  the  articulation. 

Pdlpation. — Heat,  pain  and  swelling  may  be  present 
together  or  separately.  The  exact  location  of  this  trouble  is 
often  hard  to  find,  and  the  ambiguous  diagnosis  of  "shoulder 
lameness  "  is  made. 


LAMENESS  IN  THE  REGION  OF  THE  SHOULDER.      39 

2. — Luxation  of  the  Scapulo-humeral  Articulation. 

History. — Sudden  severe  lameness  following  falls,  slips 
and  jumping. 

Inspection. — Severe  swinging-leg  lameness,  shortening  of 
the  leg,  with  more  or  less  swelling  about  the  articulation. 

Falpation. — Passive  movements  of  the  articulation,  as 
flexion  and  extension,  are  almost  impossible  ;  adduction  and 
abduction  are  exceedingly  free.  Above  and  in  front  of  the 
glenoid  cavity  of  the  scapula  the  head  of  the  humerus  can 
be  felt,  provided  inflammatory  swelling  does  not  interfere 
with  palpation.  Pressure  upon  this  region  is  painful.  This 
condition  is  often  complicated  with  fracture  of  the  scapula 
and  humerus. 

3. — Inflammation  of  the  Bursa  and  Tendon  of  the 
Postea-spinatus  Muscle. 

Anatomy. — A  wide  and  flattened  muscle,  having  its  fixed 
insertion  in  the  postea  spinatus  fossa,  scapular  spine  and 
tuberosity,  cartilage  of  prolongation  and  internal  face  of  the 
scapular  aponeurosis.  It  terminates  inferiorly  by  two 
branches;  the  external  one,  the  strongest,  is  inserted  in  the 
crest  of  the  external  tuberosity  of  the  humerus,  first  gliding 
over  a  synovial  bursa  situated  above  its  point  of  inSertion. 
This  muscle  is  an  outward  rotator  and  abductor  of  the 
humerus.     (Chauveau.) 

History. — Lameness  following  kicks,  falls,  collisions  and 
sudden  turning  while  speeding. 

Inspection. — Abduction  of  the  entire  leg  with  supporting- 
leg  lameness.  The  animal  still  supports  the  weight  of  the 
body,  but  while  doing  so  abducts  the  leg  as  much  as  possible. 

Palpation. — Usually  increased  heat  and  swelling  can  be 
felt  over  the  external  trochanter  of  the  humerus.     Pressure 


40  LAMENESS   IN   THE   HORSE. 

upou  that  part  is  productive  of  pain.  At  times  crepitaticu 
cau  be  fouud  b}'  walking  the  animal  and  resting  the  band 
upon  the  course  of  the  tendon  and  its  insertion. 

4.— Paralysis  of  the  Supra-scapular  Nerve. 

Anatomy. — Formed  by  the  sixth  and  seventh  cervical 
pairs,  this  short  and  tliick  nerve  runs  backward  between 
the  levator  anguli  scapulse  on  the  one  side,  and  the  anterior 
deep  pectoral,  prescapularis  and  antea  spinatus  muscles 
on  the  other,  gaining  the  space  between  the  antea  spinatus 
and  subscapularis,  entering  it.  Now  it  bends  around  the 
anterior  border  of  the  scapula,  runs  across  the  acromion 
spine,  ascending  to  the  postea  spinatus  fossa.  It  supplies 
the  antea  spinatus,  postea  spinatus  and  teres  muscle. 
(Chauveau.) 

History. — Lameness  following  runaways,  colliding  with 
trees,  posts,  etc. 

Inspection.  —  Supporting  -  leg  lameness,  with  sudden 
abduction  of  the  shoulder.  By  walking  the  animal  toward 
the  observer  it  will  be  seen  that  the  scapula,  at  the  moment 
the  leg  supports  Aveight  and  is  perpendicularly  under  the 
body,  suddenly  is  jeiked  away  from  the  tliorax.  In  disease 
of  some  standing  the  scapular  spine  becomes  prominent, 
due  to  the  atrophy  of  the  paralyzed  muscles,  especially  the 
antea  spinatus  and  the  two  abductors,  the  postea  spinatus 
muscle  showing  nothing  abnormal. 

5. — Inflammation  of  the  Bursa  of  the  Flexor 
Brachii  Muscle 

Anatomy. — A  long  cylindrical  muscle  divided  by  many 
strong  fibrous  intersections,  the  middle  one  of  which  is  of  a 
tendinous  nature,  being  continuous  with  the  tendon  of  the 
muscle  at  the  extremities.     It  originates  at  the  base  of  the 


LAMENESS   IN   THE   KEGION   OF  THE   SHOULDER. 


41 


coracoid  process  of  the  scapula,  to  ruu  obliquely  downward 
and  backward  through  the  bicipital  groove  of  the  humerus, 
where  it  becomes  fibro-cartilaglnous,  gliding  over  an  exten- 
sive synovial  sac,  known  as  the  bursa  inter-tubercularis ;  the 


^§?^^<r^-«-^ 


t^ 


^ 


■^ 


Lameness  from  Bursitis  Inter-tubercularis. 


inferior  tendon  of  the  flexor  brachii  terminates  on  the  bicipital 
tuberosity  of  the  radius.  This  muscle  flexes  the  fore-arm, 
renders  tense  the  antibrachial  aponeurosis,  and  mechanically 
opposes  the  flexion  of  the  scapulo-humeral  angle  while  the 
animal  is  at  rest.      (Chauveau.) 


42  LAMENESS   IN  THE   HORSE. 

History. — Lameness  following  collisions,  blows  and 
runaways. 

Inspection. — Severe  swinging-leg  lameness.  "When  trying 
to  walk  it  seems  as  though  the  foot  could  not  be  raised 
from  the  ground.  On  forced  movement  no  weight  is  put 
upon  the  lame  leg.  Backing  is  done  fairly  well,  the  animal 
even  picking  up  the  foot.  When  at  rest  the  lame  leg  is 
carried  further  back  under  the  belly  than  the  sound  one, 
and  often  supports  its  share  of  the  weight  of  the  body  in 
this  position. 

Palpation. — Entirely  out  of  proportion  to  the  intense 
lameness  is  the  small  amount  of  pain  and  swelling  about 
that  muscle  ;  it  is  absent  in  chronic  bursitis,  where  lameness 
is  most  marked  when  the  leg  is  carried  forward.  In  these 
cases  wasting  away  and  contraction  of  the  muscle  is  occa- 
sionally noticed.  Bilateral  bursitis  causes  a  groggy,  stiflf 
gait ;  the  shoulders  are  apparently  immovable. 

6.  —Paralysis  of  the  Radial  Nerve. 

Anatomy.— This,  the  largest  nerve  furnished  by  the 
brachial  plexus,  runs  downward  and  backward,  crossing  the 
inner  face  of  the  subscapularis  and  teres  major  muscles. 
Arriving  at  the  deep  humeral  artery,  it  passes  behind  the 
humerus,  entering  between  the  large  extensor  of  the  fore-arm 
and  the  short  flexor  of  the  fore-arm ;  it  runs  along  the 
posterior  border  of  this  muscle,  gains  the  anterior  face  of  the 
radio -ulnar  articulation,  runs  on  down  to  the  oblique 
extensor  of  the  metacarpus,  terminating  here  by  two 
branches.  This  nerve  stimulates  all  the  extensors  of  the 
fore-arm  and  foot  and  the  external  flexor  of  the  metacarpus, 
endowing  with  sensibility  the  skin  of  the  outer  and  anterior 
surface  of  the  fore-arm.     (Chauveau.) 


L.\MENESS  IN   THE   REGION   OF  THE   SHOULDER.  43 

History. — Sudden  lameness  following  slipping  and 
pulling  heavy  loads. 

Inspection  (comj^lete  paralysis). — Supporting- leg  lameness. 
The  animal  is  unable  to  put  any  weight  upon  the  leg,  the 
whole  leg  collapsing  in  the  attempt.  After  passive  exten- 
sion the  leg  can  support  weight.       From  the  elbow  down, 


Fig.  4. 

Complete  Paralysis  of  the  Kadial  Nerve. 

(Elbow  ought  to  be  further  down.) 

all  joints  are    flexed  to  such  an  extent  that  the  wall  of  the 

hoof  almost  touches  the  ground ;   the  leg  thus  appears  too 

long.       Shoulder   and    elbow  joints    are    extended.       The 

olecranian   muscles    are    relaxed,    and    atrophied  in  cases 

of  some  standing. 

Inspection  {incomplete  parahjsi'-). — If  there  is  still  sufficient 

muscular  power  left  to  extend  the  leg,  the  horse  can  support 


44  LAMENESS  IN   THE   HORSE. 

weight  upon  it.  Therefore,  when  walking  slowly  on  smooth 
ground  nothing  unusual  can  be  noticed,  but  should  the 
animal  strike  its  toe  against  anything,  stumbling  is 
frequent,  all  joints  from  the  elbow  down  are  flexed  and  there 
is  danger  of  falling.  Sometimes  lameness  is  only  seen  after 
exercising  on  heavy  ground.  Animals  which  have  been 
lame  and  have  improved  acquire  a  peculiar  gait,  together 
with  active  contraction  of  the  muscles  of  the  shoulder,  the 
leg  is  slung  forward,  the  olecranian  muscles  being  unable  to 
exert  the  function  fully. 

Inspection  {partial  j^ciralysis). — At  the  moment  the  lame 
supporting  leg  is  perpendicularly  under  the  chest,  there 
is  a  sudden  forward  jerk  of  the  scapula  and  humerus. 
This  involuntary  movement  is  clearly  seen  as  the  horse 
walks  slowly  past  the  observer. 

Differential  Diagnosis. — This  lameness  is  liable  to  be 
mistaken  for  supra-scapular  nerve  paralysis,  but  is 
distinguished  from  it  by  the  fact  that  in  the  latter  the 
shoulder  is  abducted,  whereas  in  partial  paralysis  of  the 
radial  nerve  the  shoulder  and  humerus  are  jerked  in  a 
forward  direction.  Transverse  fracture  of  the  ulna  and 
rupture  of  the  extensors  of  the  phalanges  show  similar 
symptoms,  yet  palpation  will  settle  the  question. 

7.— Paralysis  of  the  Brachial  Nerve  Plexus. 

History. — Sudden  lameness  following  a  severe  fall,  etc. 

Inspection. — In  complete  paralysis  movement  is  impos- 
sible, but  when  the  leg  is  passively  extended  and  brought 
into  a  normal  position  it  is  able  to  support  the  weight  of 
the  body,  especially  when  the  radial  nerve  is  not  paralyzed ; 
while  even  then  there  is  necessarily  more  or  less  difficulty  - 


LAMENESS  IN   THE  REGION   OF   THE    SHOULDER.  45 

iu  advauciug  tbe  leg;  whenever  the  olecranian  muscles 
contract,  all  the  joints,  from  the  elbow  down,  become 
extended,  to  remain  so  during  motion. 

8 —Fracture  of  the  Scapula. 

History. — Sudden  lameness  following  collisions,  falls  and 
kicks,  etc. 

Inspection.— J] sMoWj  a  mixed  lameness.  Any  sudden 
severe  lameness  showing  itself  not  only  when  the  leg 
supports  weight,  but  also  when  it  is  carried  forward  (mixed 
lameness),  with  an  above  history,  creates  suspicion  of  a 
fractured  scapula,  unless  there  is  some  other  positive  reason 
for  the  sudden  lameness.  The  lame  leg  may  be  shortened,, 
the  animal  thus  walking  on  three  legs  ;  but  in  simple  fracture, 
of  the  scapular  spine  the  leg  often  supports  weight,  there 
being  a  distinct  swinging-leg  lameness  in  this  case. 

Pt(//9«^/o«.— Crepitation  may  or  may  not  be  felt  by  resting 
the  hand  upon  the  external  scapular  muscles.  When  there 
is  much  swelling  the  diagnosis  of  a  fracture  becomes  very 
difficult.  In  fracture  of  the  scapular  spine,  dorsal  and 
cervical  angles,  the  broken  fragments  can  generally  be  felt. 
Excessive  adduction  and  abduction  is  noticeable  in  fracture 
of  the  neck  of  the  scapula.  Very  difficult  of  diagnosis  are 
fractures  of  the  body  of  the  bone ;  but  if  the  humerus  is 
intact  and  crepitation  with  the  above  mentioned  symptoms 
present,  the  fracture  of  some  part  of  the  body  of  the  scapula 
can  be  surmised. 

9.— Fracture  of  the  Fore-arm. 

ZTis^ory.— Lameness  following  kicks,  falls,  collisions,  etc. 

FRACTURE  OF  THE  DIAPHYSIS. 

/?w/)ec^ion.— Swinging  and  supporting  leg  lameness,  with 
abnormal  mobility  in  the  region  of  the  arm. 


46  LAMENESS   IN   THE   HORSE. 

Palpation. — Abnormal  mobility  and  crepitation  of  these 
parts,  with  severe  pain  and  perhaps  swelling.  This 
abnormal  mobility  is  best  detected  by  fixing  the  scapula 
and  moving  the  bones  below  the  humerus  ;  it,  together  with 
crepitation,  leaves  no  doubt  as  to  tha  nature  of  the  trouble. 

FRACTURE  OF  ONE  OF  THE  CONDYLES. 

The  foot  is  unable  to  support  weight.  There  is  severe 
swinging  leg  lameness,  and  the  leg  from  the  elbow  down  is 
either  adducted  or  abducted,  the  former  in  fracture  of  the 
external  condyle,  the  latter  in  fracture  of  the  internal  condyle. 
When  the  external  condyle  is  fractured,  there  is  also 
excessive  volar  flexion  of  the  phalanges,  often  to  such  an 
extent  that  the  outer  wall  of  the  hoof  touches  the  ground. 


CHAPTEB  V. 


LAMENESSES  IN  THE  REGION  OF  THE 
ELBOW  AND  FORE- ARM. 


1.— Inflammation  of  the  Elbow  Joint. 

History. — Lameuesses  following  wouuds  penetrating  the 
joint,  kicks,  etc. 

Inspection. — Supporting  and  swinging  leg  lameness. 
Lameness  may  be  so  intense  that  the  animal  will  only  walk 
on  three  legs,  and  studiously  avoids  any  movement  of  the 
elbow  joint.  In  the  acute  stage  particularly,  the  elbow  joint 
is  extended,  while  the  phalangeal  articulations  are  in 
excessive  volar  flexion. 

Palpation. — Usually  there  is  severe  pain  and  swelling 
about  the  articulation,  with  increased  temperature. 

2.— Fracture  of  the  Ulna. 

History. — Lameness  following  kicks  and  falls,  etc. 

Insjyectioyi. — Supporting  and  swinging  leg  lameness.  If 
the  olecranon  is  broken  off  entirely  from  the  radius, 
symptoms  of  radial  paralysis  are  apparent  (see  page  42); 
but  as  a  rule  the  fracture  takes  place  further  down,  going 
through  the  elbow  joint,  causing  more  of  a  supporting-leg 
lameness. 

Palpation. — Crepitation  may  be  detected.  Abnormal 
mobility  of  the  fractured  parts  is  always  present,  usually 
accompanied  by  pain  and  more  or  less  swelling. 


48  LAMENESS   IN   THE   HORSE. 

3.— Fracture  of  the  Radius. 

History. — Lameness  following  kicks,  falls,  slips  and 
external  violence,  etc. 

Inspect  ion. — Inability  to  use  the  leg  ;  possibly  deformity. 

Palpation.— Ahuovmal  mobility  of  the  parts,  crepitation, 
pain  and  swelling.  The  ends  of  the  fractured  bone  may 
stick  through  the  skin. 

4. — "Wounds  and  Bruises  of  the  Forearm. 

^/s/o/T/.  — Lameness  following  kicks,  blows  from  the 
wagon  pole  aud  falls,  etc. 

Inspection. — Generally  the  lameness  is  most  marked  on 
carrying  the  leg  forward  ;  there  is  swinging-leg  lameness ; 
the  visible  lesions,  such  as  swelling,  wounds,  etc.,  with  pain 
and  increased  heat,  detected  on  palpation  of  those  parts, 
will  hardly  permit  of  a  mistake. 


CHAPTER  YI. 


LAMENESS  IN  THE  REGION  OF  THE  KNEE. 


1.— Injuries  to  the  Anterior  Surface  of  the  Knee. 

History. — Lameneas  following  falls  and  kicks,  etc. 

Inspection. — More  or  less  swelling  about  the  knee, 
excoriation  of  the  skin,  or  even  deeper  wounds.  Swelling  is 
particularly  severe  when  the  sheaths  of  the  extensor  tendons 
are  opened.  The  knee  is  held  as  stiffly  as  possible  during 
motion.     Weight  may  or  may  not  be  borne  by  the  lame  leg. 

Palpation. — If  the  sheaths  of  the  tendons  are  opened, 
synovia  flows  from  the  wound,  often  looking  like  jelly ;  in 
these  cases  severe  pain  and  swelling  are  detected  on 
palpation.  Passive  flexion  produces  intense  pain.  In  cases 
where  the  articulation  is  opened,  the  finger  or  the  probe  can 
be  introduced  into  the  joint  (under  proper  aseptic  pre- 
cautions). Articular  surfaces,  denuded  of  their  cartilage, 
are  rough  to  the  touch. 

2. — Fracture  of  the  Bones  of  the  Knee. 

History. — Lameness  following  falls,  external  violence,  etc. 

Inspection. — The  leg,  as  in  radial  paralysis,  is  kept  flexed 
and  is  unable  to  support  weight.  Since  this  fracture  is,  as 
a  rule,  the  consequence  of  a  fall,  there  may  be  excoriations 
or  wounds  about  the  knee. 

Palpation.— li  the  pisiform  bone  is  fractured,  as  is  usually 
the  case,  abnormal  mobility  and  crepitation  of  that  bone  are 
present. 


50  LAMENESS    IN   THE    HORSE. 

3— Chronic  Inflammation  of  the  Knee 

History. — Lameness  following  interfering,  as  in  trotting 
horses,  and  excessive  work  in  immature  lymphatic  animals. 

/7<.s^:>ec^/o??.— Swelling  about  the  knee,  deforming  the  joint 
more  or  less.  When  at  rest  the  knee  is  kept  flexed  ;  ia 
walking  there  is  often  inability  to  flex  the  knee  properly ; 
the  hime  leg  is  brought  forward  slower  than  the  sound  one, 
the  leg  being  abducted  while  supporting  the  weight  of  the 
body.  In  bringing  the  foot  down  the  heels  are  apt  to  strike 
the  ground  first ;  frequently  the  anterior  half  of  the  step  is 
shortened.  Lameness  may  be  wanting,  if  both  legs  are 
diseased,  or  the  carpo-metacarpal  articulation  only. 

Palpation. — The  swelling  may  be  of  bony  hardness  or  soft 
and  fluctuating ;  the  latter  is  true  in  disease  of  the  tendon 
sheaths.  Passive  flexion  of  the  knee  joint  either  produces 
pain,  or  demonstrates  limited  movement  as  compared  with 
the  other  knee  joint.  (In  making  this  comparative  test  the 
elbow  joints  must  have  the  same  position  in  both  legs.) 

Differential  Diagnosis. — Since  there  is  some  similarity 
in  this  form  of  lameness  and  shoulder  lameness,  the 
following  points  are  of  importance  in  differentiating  one 
from  the  other.  In  shoulder  lameness  the  animal  does  not 
touch  the  ground  with  the  heels  first,  as  it  often  does  in 
chronic  inflammation  of  the  knee  joint;  here  also  the  leg  is 
more  frequently  advanced  with  an  outward  swinging  motion 
than  in  shoulder  lameness.  In  chronic  inflammation  of  the 
knee,  passive  flexion  of  the  knee  either  causes  pain  or  proves 
a  limited  movement  of  the  knee  joint,  which  in  shoulder 
lameness  is  not  the  case. 

4  — Inflammation  of  the  Carpal  Bursa  of  the 
Flexor  Pedis  Tendons. 

History. — Lameness  following,  in  the  acute  form,  the 
introduction  of  some  septic  material,  as  in  punctures  with 


LAMENESS  IN  THE  REGION  OF  THE  KNEE.         51 

the  dung  fork,  and  external  violence ;   in  the  chronic  type, 
generally  overwork. 

Inspection :  Acule  Form. — Swelling  around  the  entire  joint. 
A  wound  may  be  seen  and  flowing  from  it  synovia,  alone,  or 
mixed  with  pus,  the  discharge  then  having  a  straw-colored 
appearance.  There  is  excessive  lameness,  the  leg  is  carried 
forward  stiffly  and  slowly. 

Palpation. — The  swelling  is  very  painful,  hot  and  more  or 
less  firm,  with  a  tendency  to  spread.  In  septic  inflammations, 
constitutional  disturbances,  as  high  fever,  etc.,  are  frequent. 

Chronic  Form. — Is  not  accompanied  by  lameness,  unless 
movement  is  mechanically  interfered  with  by  the  distended 
tendon  sheath,  extending  as  much  as  six  to  eight  inches 
above  and  below  the  joint.  As  a  rule  this  swelling  is  seen 
on  the  outside  of  the  leg,  but  at  times  also  on  the  inside. 
The  superior  swelling  may  attain  the  size  of  a  cocoa-nut, 
whereas  that  on  the  metacarpus  is  mostly  smaller. 

5.— Distension  of  Articular  and  Tendinous 
Synovial  Sacs. 

Acute  inflammation  of  the  synovial  sacs  of  joints  or 
synovial  sheaths  of  tendons  brings  on  lameness.  When 
chronically  inflamed,  they  sometimes  produce  limited  motion 
by  mechanically  interfering  with  the  working  of  a  joint 
or  tendon,  and  thus  cause  lameness.  Usually  bursal 
enlargements  disappear  Avheu  the  leg  is  flexed,  or  when  no 
weight  is  put  upon  it,  while  enlarged  tendon  sheaths,  under 
those  circumstances,  become  more  distinct.  Horizontal 
swellings  suggest  distended  articular  sacs ;  vertical  or  oblique 
swellings  indicate  distension  of  the  synovial  sheath,  in  which 
the  tendon  lies. 


LAMENESS  IN   THE   HORSE. 


Fig.  6. 
The  same,  as  seen  from  the  front. 


Fig.  5. 

Schema  of  the  more  important  tendon  sheaths  and  bursfe  of  the  fore-limb 
seen  from  in  front  and  without,  a,  bursa  intertubercularis  ;  b,  bursa 
olecraui ;  c,  upper  ;  d,  lower  tendon  sheaths  of  the  flexor  pedis  ;  e, 
sheath  of  the  flexor  metacarpi  ;  /,  upper  slieatli  of  extensor  pedis  ; 
g,  sheath  of  extensor  metacarpi  magrnus ;  h,  sheath  of  extensor 
metacarpi  obliquus  ;  i,  bursa  mucosa  of  extensor  pedis. 


LAMENESS  IN   THE   REGION   OF   THE  KNEE.  53 

History. — Lameness  following,  in  the  acute  form,  dis- 
tortions, contusions ;  fast  and  hard  work  in  the  chronic 
form. 

Inspection:  Acute  Form. — Swelling  (see  further  on), 
supporting-leg  lameness,  and  sometimes  mixed  lameness. 

Palpation. — Pain,  increased  heat,  swelling,  which  fluctu- 
ates and  corresponds  to  the  shape  of  the  affected  joint  or 
tendon  sheath ;  occasionally  the  neighboring  parts  also 
swell  to  a  doMghy  consistency. 

Chronic  Form. — Lameness  is  generally  absent,  especially 
when  the  swelling  is  soft,  fluctuating  and  corresponding  to 
the  shape  of  the  joint.  Should  the  swelling  be  diffused, 
spindle  shaped,  tough  or  hard  on  palpation,  without  increased 
heat  or  pain  of  the  parts,  excessive  work  frequently  results 
in  lameness.  In  chronic  inflammation  of  the  flexor  tendon 
sheaths,  especially  where  the  swelling  is  of  an  unyielding 
nature,  lameness  is  permanent. 

The  folh:>wing  are  the  most  commonly  distended  articular 
sacs  and  tendon  sheaths  : 

1.  Knee-gall. — The  capsular  ligament  is  situated  between 
the  lower  extremity  of  the  radius  and  upper  row  of  carpal 
bones.  When  distended,  it  appears  as  a  roundish  swelling, 
subdivided  by  the  extensor  tendons  of  the  anterior  surface 
of  the  carpus,  or  on  the  outside,  just  over  the  pisiform  bone 
and  behind  the  radius  ;  it  rarely  exceeds  the  size  of  a  hen's 
egg- 

2.  Fetlock-gall.  — This  gall  appears  as  a  roundish  swelling, 
seldom  more  than  duck's  egg  size,  between  the  suspensory 
ligament  and  metacarpus,  on  either  side  of  the  extensor  pedis 
tendon,  extending  toward  the  anterior  part  of  the  fetlock. 

3.  Distension  of  the  Carpal  Sheath. — The  synovial  sheath 
on  the  posterior  part  of  the  carpus,  in  which  the  perforans 


54  LAMENESS   IN  THE   HORSE. 

and  perforatus  glide,  extends  about  four  inches  above  the 
joint,  and  runs  down  to  the  upper  third  of  the  metacarpal 
bone  ;  when  distended,  a  longish  swelling  above  and  below 
the  carpus  on  the  outside  or  inside  is  seen. 

4.  Wind-galls. — The  metacarpal  phalangeal  sheath  for 
the  gliding  of  the  perforans  and  perforatus  tendons  begins 
in  the  lower  third  of  the  metacarpus,  extending  down  to  the 
plantar  cushion.  Below  the  fetlock  this  sheath  is  surrounded 
by  a  strong,  unyielding  fibrous  band  ;  when  distended,  which 
is  rare,  a  flat  swelling  is  noticed.  Distension  of  that  part  of 
the  sheath  above  the  fetlock  is  characterized  by  two  longish 
swellings,  one  on  either  side  of  the  perforans  tendon, 
extending  up  to  the  lower  third  of  the  metacarpal  bone.  In 
the  hind-leg  this  gall  quite  often  becomes  hard,  the  result 
of  chronic  changes  in  the  tendon  and  its  sheath. 

5.  Distension  of  the  Sheath  of  the  Extensor  Suffraginis. — This 
swelling  appears  three  to  four  inches  above  the  knee  on  the 
outside  of  the  fore-arm,  running  downwards,  at  times 
involving  the  anterior  face  of  the  carpus. 

6.  Distension  of  the  Sheath  of  the  Extensor  Pedis. — This  is 
rare.  The  sheath  begins  six  inches  above  the  knee  ;  it  runs 
in  the  outer  groove  on  the  inferior  extreuiity  of  the  radius 
over  the  knee  joint  to  the  upper  part  of  the  metacarpus. 

7.  Distension  of  the  Sheath  of  the  Extensor  Metacarpi  Magnus. 
— This  sheath  runs  parallel  with  the  one  of  the  extensor 
pedis,  but  does  not  reach  quite  as  far  above  the  knee,  runs 
+hrough  the  middle  groove  on  the  inferior  extiemity  of  the 
radius,  ending  at  the  lower  row  of  carpal  bones. 

8.  Distension  of  the  Sheath  of  the  Extensor  Metacarpi 
Ohliquus. — This  sheath  begins  on  the  outside,  and  three 
inches  above  the  knee,  runs  obliquely  downward  and  inward 
over  the  anterior  face  of  the  carpus,  ending  at  the  head  of 


LAMENESS  IN  THE  REGION  OF  THE  KNEE.        55 

the  inner  small  metacarpal  bone.  When  distended,  it  forms 
a  round,  oblique  swelling,  running  as  described,  being 
subdivided  by  the  extensor  tendons. 

9.  Above  the  fetlock,  on  the  anterior  face  of  the  metacarpal 
bone,  is  a  mucous  bursa  for  the  extensor  pedis  tendon,  its 
upper  wall  resting  against  that  tendon.  "When  distended,  it 
may  become  as  large  and  even  larger  than  a  goose's  egg. 


CHAPTEK  VIL 


LAMENESS  IN  THE  REGION  OF  THB 
METACARPUS. 


1.— Rupture  of  the  Flexor  Tendons  and 
Sesamoidal  Ligaments. 

History. — Lameness  following  sudden  external  violoDca 
and  over-extension,  as  in  galloping,  jumping,  etc. 


Fig.  7. 

Rupture  of  the  superior  sesamoidal  or  suspensory  ligament. 

(From  a  photograph.) 

hispection. — In  rupture  of  the  perforatus  tendon  there  is 
supporting-leg  lameness,  with  some  dorsal  flexion  of  the 
phalanges,  in  conse(]uence  of  which  the  toe  is  turned  up  a 
little,  and  the  weight  is  mainly  sustained  by  the  heels. 
When  the  perforans  is  ruptured  all  three  phalangeal  joints 
show  decided  dorsal  flexion,  causing  the  hoofs  to  rest  upon 
the  heels  entirely,  with  the  toes  elevated  from  the  ground. 
Rupture  of  the  superior  and  inferior  sesamoidal  ligaments 


LAMENESS  IN  THE  REGION  OF  THE  METACARPUS.  57 

means  abuormal   dorsal   flexiou   of   the   fetlock    only,   the 
position  of  the  hoof  being  normal  (see  fig.  7). 


Fig.  8. 
Excessive  dorsal  flexion  after  section  of  the  perforans  and  perforatus 
tendons  ;  the  knuckling  over  at  the  fetlock  is  due  to  contraction  of 
the  suspensory  ligament.     (From  a  photograph.) 

Palpation. — In  recent  cases  the  jDoint  of  division  of 
the  tendon  or  ligament  can  usually  be  felt,  while  later 
inflammatory  swelling  prevents  it.  There  is  always  more  or 
less  severe  pain. 

2. — Inflammation  of  the  Flexor  Tendons. 

History. — Lameness  following  bruises,  from  kicks,  pro- 
longed hard  work,  jumping  and  galloping,  etc. 

Inspection. — Supporting-leg  lameness,  with  shortening  of 


58  LAMENESS  IN  THE   HOESE. 

the  period  of  weight-bearing,  particularly  as  the  lame  leg  is 
perpendicularly  under  the  hody.  While  at  rest  the 
phalanges  are  kept  in  volar  flexion.  At  times  the  animal 
attempts  to  support  weight  with  the  lame  leg  by  putting  the 
heel  upon  some  elevation,  but  carefully  avoids  sustaining 
•weight  with  the  whole  bearing  surface  of  the  hoof. 
Permanent  volar  flexion  of  all  the  phalangeal  articulations 
indicates  contraction  of  the  perforans ;  but  contraction  of 
the  suspensory  ligament  and  of  the  perforatus  only  affects 
the  position  of  the  fetlock. 

Palpation. — When  the  perforans  is  involved,  the  pain  and 
lameness  are  severe,  while  inflammation  of  the  perforatus 
and  suspensory  ligament  either  causes  moderate  or  no 
lameness  at  all.  Passive  rotation  of  the  various  joints  does 
not  give  any  pain.  Heat,  pain  and  swelling,  in  the  first 
stages,  are  present  in  varying  degrees;  but  being  often 
indistinct,  great  care  is  necessary  in  differentiating  pain  from 
mere  nervousness.  Pain  and  swelling  are  best  detected  by 
raising  the  lame  leg  and  flexing  it,  this  being  the  only  way, 
as  already  stated,  to  examine  each  structure  separately. 
Of  course,  in  clean  legs,  swelling  can  frequently  be  seen 
from  a  distance,  otherwise  most  careful  palpation  is  required 
to  detect  it.  In  cases  of  some  standing  there  is  often 
permanent  volar  flexion  of  the  phalanges ;  this  permanent 
volar  flexion  can  be  recognized  as  such  by  raising  the  sound 
leg,  and  thus  the  lame  leg  must  support  the  whole  weight 
at  that  moment.  Wben  volar  flexion  of  the  phalanges  is  due 
to  chronic  changes  in  the  tendons — that  is,  contraction  of  the 
tendons — the  upright  position  will  persist  under  that  test. 
3.— Fracture  of  the  Metacarpal  Bone. 

History. — Lameness  suddenly  following  kicks,  falls  and 
external  violence. 


LAMENESS  IN  THE  EEGION  OF  THE  METACAKPUS.      59 

Inspection. — Usually  all  three  metacarpal  bones  are 
broken,  there  is  inability  to  support  the  weight  of  the  body, 
and  generally,  deformity  with  abnormal  mobility  of  the 
fractured  parts. 

Pa?pa^tow.— Crepitation,  abnormal  mobility,  pain,  i^vA 
after  some  time  hot  and  painful  swelling  about  the  broken 
parts.  Fissures  are  difficult  of  diagnosis,  and  may  be 
surmised  when  a  tract  of  increased  sensibility  can  be 
detected  by  careful  palpation.  The  sound  leg  must  also  be 
examined  in  exactly  the  same  way  as  the  lame  one,  in  order 
to  compare  results  obtained.  Fracture  of  one  of  the  small 
metacarpal  bones  usually  is  difficult  to  recognize,  especially 
when  swelling  has  set  in;  but  careful  palpation  occasionally 
reveals  crepitation. 

4.— Splints. 

History. — Lameness  following  fast  or  continuous  work 
on  hard  ground,  interfering ;  lameness  is  more  marked  on 
hard  than  on  soft  ground. 

Inspection. — At  rest,  the  lame  leg  is  abducted,  especially 
when  the  splint  is  near  the  carpal  articulation.  Swinging-leg 
lameness  is  more  pronounced  on  hard  than  on  soft  ground. 
The  hoof  is  put  down  in  the  usual  manner,  the  knee  may  be 
held  stiffly,  while  the  leg  is  advanced.  There  is  generally  a 
greatly  increased  amount  of  lameness  on  changing  the 
horse  from  a  walk  to  a  trot. 

Palpation. — In  the  earlier  stages,  heat,  pain  and  swelling 
are  detected.  Splints  are  chiefly  on  the  inside  of  the 
metacarpal  bone,  especially  in  the  groove  formed  by  the 
small  and  large  metacarpal  bon<^s;  but  in  pigeon-toed 
horses  they  are  mostly  seen  on  the  outside  of  the  shin 
bone.     The  favorite  location  seems  to  be  a  little  above  the 


60 


LAMENESS   IN  THE   HORSE. 


middle,  between  fetlock  aud  knee.  Splints  interfering  with 
the  suspensory  ligament  and  flexor  tendons,  do  cause 
permanent  lameness,  as  the  writer  repeatedly  convinced 
himself.  In  those  cases,  the  splint  is  situated  about  the 
middle  of  the  posterior  face  of  ihe  large  metacarpal  bone, 


splint 
splint 


metacarpal  hone 


Fig.  9. 
1/Ocation  of  Splints. 

where  it  can  be  found  by  raising  the  leg  and  flexing  it ;  this 
causes  a  relaxation  of  the  flexor  tendons,  which  are  pushed 
to  one  side,  thus  the  posterior  face  of  the  large  metacarpal 
bone  can  be  palpated  and  enlargements  felt.  The  swelling, 
which  at  first  is  slight,  becomes  somewhat  soft  on  account 
of  the  oedema  of  the  overlying  skin,  but  later  on  it  hardens. 


LAMENESS  IN  THE  KEGION  OF  THE  METACARPUS.  61 

To  examine  the  leg  for  splints,  it  must  be  picked  up  and 
the  points  of  the  fingers  allowed  to  glide  with  gentle 
pressure  over  the  metacarpal  bone,  to  detect  any  pain  or 
enlargements ;  caye  must  be  taken  not  to  mistake  the 
natural  knob-like  formation  ou  the  lower  end  of  the  small 
metacarpal  bones  for  a  pathological  condition.  In  order  to 
avoid  errors  it  is  wise  to  test  the  sound  leg  in  the  same  way 
and  to  compare  the  sensitiveness  of  the  periosteum  in  both 
legs.  Swelling  of  the  skin  in  the  metacarpal  region  may 
confuse,  but  the  lameness  is  never  so  marked  in  this 
condition  as  it  is  in  splints.  One  or  two  year  old  racers 
get,  what  is  commonly  termed,  "soie  shins."  This 
periostitis  is  characterized  by  sudden  lameness  after  hard 
and  fast  work.  The  lame  leg  is  favored  as  much  as  »:»ossible  ; 
should  the  other  one  be  diseased  at  the  same  time  the 
animal  shifts  the  weight  from  one  leg  to  the  other. 
There  is  decided  swinging-leg  lameness,  the  leg  is  raised 
slowly  and  imperfectly  when  moving.  Soon  a  hot,  painful 
swelling  appears  on  the  anterior  face  of  the  metacarpus  of 
one  or  both  legs. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 


LAMENESS  IN  THE  PHALANGEAL  REGION. 


Anatomy. — The  bones  of  the  phalangeal  region  are  : 

1.  Os  suffracjinis,  also  called  first  or  metacarpal  phalanx 
and  large  pastern  bone,  with  the  two  sesamoid  bones. 

2.  Os  coronae,  also  known  as  second  phalanx  or  small 
pastern  bone. 

3.  Os  2^(^18,  also  called  third  phalanx,  pedal  or  coffin 
bone,  with  the  navicular  bone. 

These  bones  form  three  joints  : 

1.  Fetlock  joint :  This  is  a  perfect  hinge  joint.  Its 
capsular  ligament  is  reinforced  by  fibrous  bands  laterally. 
It  also  has  two  lateral  sesamoidal  ligaments,  which, 
strengthened  by  the  crossed  iignments,  unite  the  sesamoids 
with  the  cannon  bone  and  fir.-t  ]ihalanx.  Between  the 
sesamoid  bones  is  the  inter^esanjoidal  ligament,  which  is  of 
a  fibro-cartilaginous  nature.  This  ligament,  together  with 
the  posterior  face  of  the  sesamoid  bonos,  forms  the  groove 
for  the  flexor  tendons  to  glide  in.  The  KU])Prior  jind  inferior 
sesamoidal  ligaments  inhibit  excessive  dorsal  flrxion  of  the 
fetlock-joint.  The  infei'ior  sesamoidal  ligament,  situated  at 
the  posterior  face  of  the  ds  suffiaginis,  is  divided  into  three 
separate  branches  :  (a)  The  superior  arises  from  the  middle 
of  the  fibro-cartilaginous  mass  behind  the  superior  articular 
surface  of  the  os  coronae,  runs  up  behind  the  first  phalanx 
and  is  inserted   into    the   base    of    the    sesamoids,    being 


LAMENESS  IN  THE  PHALANGEAL  IlEGION.  63 

confounded  with  the  iutersesamoidal  ligaments,  (l)  The 
fasciculi  of  the  middle  ligament  are  fixed  on  the  posterior 
imprints  on  the  os  suffraginis,  and  ascend  to  the  base  of 
the  sesamoids,  where  they  end,  (c)  The  bands  of  the  deep 
ligament  are  fixed  to  the  base  of  the  sesamoids  and  superior 
extremity  of  the  os  suffraginis.  The  superior  sesamoidal 
.  ligament,  also  called  the  suspensory  ligament  of  the 
fetlock,  a  powerful  brace,  is  lodged  behind  the  large 
metacarpal  bone.  It  is  inserted  superiorly  to  the  lower  row 
of  carpal  bones  and  posterior  face  of  the  large  metacarpal 
bone.  Its  inferior  extremity  is  bifid,  the  branches  being 
attached  to  the  summits  of  the  sesamoid  bones. 

2.  Pastern  joint :  This  is  an  imperfect  hinge  joint.  The 
supei'ior  surface  of  the  os  coronae  shows  behind  a  glenoidal 
fibro  cartilage,  also  two  strong  lateral  ligaments  passing 
downward  and  backward,  which  are  inserted  into  the 
tubercles  on  the  inferior  extremity  of  the  os  sufi'raginis 
superiorly',  while  they  are  attached  to  the  sides  of  the  os 
coronae  inferiorl}-.  Their  most  inferior  fibres  reach  the  os 
naviculare  and  constitute  the  posterior  lateral  ligaments  of 
the  pedal  articulation.  This  joint  has  a  capsular  ligament, 
related  anteriorly  to  the  extensor  pedis,  laterally  to  the 
ligaments  ;  posteriorly,  it  touches  the  suspensory  ligament. 

3.  Pedal  joint :  Is  an  imperfect  hinge  joint.  There  is 
one  interosseous  ligament  which  fastens  the  navicular  bone 
to  the  OS  pedis.  The  anterior  lateral  ligaments  are  attached 
superiorly  to  the  lateral  imprints  on  the  os  coronae,  and 
inferiorly  into  the  cavities  at  the  base  of  the  pyramidal 
eminence  of  the  pedal  bone.  The  posterior  ligaments  are 
the  continuation  of  the  lateral  ligaments  of  the  pastern 
joint.  The  capsular  ligament  extends  from  the  inferior 
extremity  of  the  os  coronae  to  the  os  pedis  and  navicular 


64  LASrENESS   IN   THE   HORSE. 

bone  posteriorly ;  it  expands,  reaching  the  posterior  face 
of  the  OS  coronae,  being  prolonged  between  the  two  lateral 
ligaments.     (Chauveau). 

1.— Luxation  of  the  Phalanges, 

History. — Lameness  following  jumping  and  violent 
struggles  to  free  the  foot,  which  has  become  entangled  in 
some  way  or  other. 

Inspection. — Decided  change  in  the  relation  of  the  bones 
of  the  joint.  Excessive  dorsal  flexion  of  the  fetlock  suggests 
rupture  of  the  flexor  tendons,  allowing  the  lower  end  of  the 
metacarpal  bone  to  descend;  should  the  sesamoidal 
ligaments  and  the  lateral  ones  be  torn,  the  lower  end  of 
the  metacarpal  bone  can  be  seen  in  front  of  the  joint.  When 
seen  on  the  outside  or  inside  of  the  joint,  the  lateral 
ligaments  are  ruptured. 

PaliKition. — Detects  the  abnormal  position  of  the 
dislocated  bone,  and,  unless  swelling  is  too  severe,  the  torn 
ends  of  the  tendons  or  ligaments  can  be  directly  felt. 

2.— Distortion  of  the  Phalangeal  Articulations. 

History. — Sudden  lameness  following  slips,  and,  in  fact, 
anything  stretching  the  ligaments  excessively. 

Inspection. — While  at  rest  the  phalangeal  articulations  are 
in  volar  flexion, — that  is,  the  animal  knuckles  over  at  the 
fetlock.  After  some  time  the  lame  leg  may  support  weight 
when  standing  on  level  ground,  but  any  sudden  move,  such  as 
turning  him  around,  immediately  causes  pronounced 
lameness.  There  is  lameness,  both  when  the  leg  is  carried 
forward  (swinging-leg  lameness),  and  when  weight  is  put 
upon  it  (supporting-leg  lameness);  the  latter  type,  as  a 
rule,  predominates,  especially  when  turning. 


LAMENESS  IN  THE  PHALANGEAL  REGION.  65 

Palpation. — Usually  the  coronet  joint  and  pedal  joint  are 
affected,  although  the  fetlock  may  also  be  sprained.  Heat, 
pain  and  swelling  are  more  or  less  apparent.  Artificial 
rotation  of  the  diseased  joint  is  important  to  attain  a  correct 
diagnosis.  jFor  this  purpose  the  leg  is  raised,  the  fetlock 
fixed,  and  the  other  hand  rotates  the  coronet  or  pedal  joint. 
In  case  the  fetlock  is  sprained,  it  is  well  to  remember  that 
artificial  rotation  of  this  joint  does  not  always  give  perfect 
results  on  account  of  the  stability  of  the  fetlock  joint.  Very 
often  the  animal  evinces  decided  pain  as  the  various  parts 
of  the  articulations  are  pressed  upon  while  palpating.  It  is 
very  difficult  to  differentiate  between  sprain  of  the  pedal 
and  coronary  joints, 

3.— Inflammation  of  the  Posterior  Ligaments 
of  the  Coronet  Joint. 

History. — Lameness  following  excessive  dorsal  flexion  of 
the  coronet  joint,  as  slipping,  jumping,  and  hard  work  on 
rough  ground. 

Inspection. — In  the  standing  posture,  the  lame  leg  does 
not  support  any  weight,  and  rests  either  upon  the  toe  with 
the  foot  pointing  forward,  or,  if  the  pain  is  severe,  the  foot 
may  be  held  above  the  ground.  There  is  severe  supporting- 
leg  lameness,  with  a  decided  shortening  of  the  posterior 
half  of  the  step. 

Palpation. — Local  examination  is  of  great  value.  The 
leg  is  raised  and  pressure  exerted  upon  the  posterior  part 
of  the  pastern,  about  where  the  flexor  tendon  runs,  and  a 
little  to  each  side  of  it;  swelling  and  pain  may  thus  be 
recognized.  If  there  is  more  than  a  slight  amount  of 
swelling,  it  will  be  best  detected  by  compelling  the  animal 
to  stand  on  the  diseased  leg  only, — done  by  picking  up  the 


66  LAMENESS   IN   THE   HORSE. 

sound  oue.  It  is  also  advisable  to  take  up  the  foot  and 
extend  it,  at  the  same  time  pushing  the  toe  upward,  thereby 
exerting  an  extra  strain  upon  the  liganientous  apparatus  of 
the  diseased  parts.  The  sound  leg  should  be  manipulated 
in  the  same  way,  and  the  results  compared  ;  in  this  way 
errors  are  better  avoided. 

Differential  Diagnosis. — This  lameness  resembles  laminitis 
somewhat,  but  in  the  latter  one  finds  excessive  pulsation  in 
the  digital  arteries,  which  is  absent  in  inflammation  of  the 
posterior  ligaments  of  the  coronary  joint.  It  differs  from 
chronic  navicular  disease  by  the  fact  that  contraction  of  the 
hoof  and  pain  on  compressing  the  horny  box,  over  the 
region  of  the  navicular  bone,  are  wanting.     (See  page  76). 

4.— Sesamoid  Lameness. 

History. — Lameness  following  anything  straining  the 
flexor  apparatus  excessively,  as  jumping,  or  stopping  a  horse 
suddenly  when  going  fast,  etc. 

Inspection:  Acute  Form. — The  animal,  at  rest,  points 
forward,  with  the  phalanges  in  volar  flexion.  There  is 
supporting-leg  lameness. 

Palpation. — More  or  less  swelling  and  pain  over  the 
region  of  the  sesamoid  bones. 

Inspection :  Chronic  Form. — Forward  pointing,  with 
marked  volar  flexion  of  the  phalanges  when  the  animal 
stands  quietly,  is  met  with.  There  is  supporting-leg 
lameness,  more  pronounced  when  first  starting  out, 
increasing  on  rough  ground,  and  decreasing  on  prolonged 
rest.  In  severe  cases,  the  horse  is  even  lame  at  a 
walk.  Permanent  volar  flexion  of  the  fetlock,  combined 
with  swelling  of  the  perforans  tendon,  is  found  where  this 
lameness  is  of  long  standing. 


LAMENESS  IN  THE   PHALANGEAL   REGION.  67 

Palpation. — Pressure  over  the  region  of  the  sesamoid 
bones  is  painful.  After  a  time  a  swelliug  of  bony  hardness 
appears  in  that  region ;  it  may  also  be  at  the  side  of  the 


Fig.  10. 
The  flexor  pedis  perforans  and  perforatus  tendons  in  a  case  of  sesamoid 
lameness  ;  at  the  point  whei-e  it  passes  over  the  sesamoid  bones  the 
perforans  tendon  is  fibrillated.     (After  Brauell). 

fetlock  joint  next  to  the  metacarpal  bone.  Passive  flexion 
of  the  diseased  joint  quite  often  shows  limited  movement. 
Later  on,  sometimes  after  years,  the  flexor  tendons  enlarge 
at  the  sesamoids ;  in  such  cases  there  is  also  permanent 
volar  flexion  of  the  fetlock  joint.     Symmetrical  swellings  are 


68  LAMENESS   IN   THE   HORSE. 

now  and  then  seen  ou  the  lateral  aspect  of  the  joint  on  one 
or  both  legs,  causing  no  lameness  whatsoever,  and  some 
skill  is  necessary  to  differentiate  this  condition  from 
enlargements  consequent  upon  chronic  arthritis,  as  seen  in 
sesamoid  lameness.  Whenever  there  is  any  doubt,  sesamoid 
lameness  may  be  diagnosed,  if  diseased  conditions  of  the 
flexor  tendons  and  chronic  navicular  disease  are  wanting. 
The  examination  of  the  sound  leg  should  never  be  omitted, 
to  compare  results. 

5.— Fracture  of  the  Sesamoid  Bones. 

History. — Instantaneous  lameness  following  galloping, 
jumping  and  sudden  work  after  continued  rebt. 

Inspection. — Horizontal  fracture  of  the  sesamoid  bones 
shows  severe  supporting-leg  lameness,  with  excessive  dorsal 
flexion  of  the  fetlock  joint ;  later  on,  swelling  of  that  region. 

Palpation. — In  recent  cases  a  depression  may  be  felt 
between  the  broken  pieces,  with  great  pain  on  pressure. 
Crepitation  is  occasionally  detected. 

Differential  Diagnosis.  —  Rupture  of  the  suspensory 
ligament,  perforans  and  perforatus,  offer  somewhat  similar 
symptoms,  but  are  differentiated  from  fracture  of  the 
sesamoid  bones  as  follows  : 

In  rupture  of  the  suspensory  ligament  the  torn  ends  can 
be  felt,  and  the  lameness  is  not  so  intense,  nor  the  pain  so 
great  on  palpation,  as  in  fracture  of  the  sesamoid  bones. 
Rupture  of  the  perforans  and  perforatus  tendons  is  followed 
by  excessive  dorsal  flexion  of  the  fetlock,  the  toe  of  the  hoof 
not  touching  the  ground.  In  fracture  of  the  sesamoid  bones, 
particularly  in  horizontal  fractures,  there  is  only  dorsal 
flexion  of  the  fetlock,  while  the  position  of  the  hoof  is  normal 
— that  is,  the  toe  is  on  the  ground  and  not  elevated,  as  in 
rupture  of  the  perforans,  for  instance. 


LAMENESS  IN  THE    I'HALANGEAL    LEGION.  69 

6. — Fracture  of  the  Os  Suffraginis. 

History. — Lameness  followiii^r  falls,  slips,  mis-steps, 
galloping,  jumping  and  sndden  turning  of  llie  Jiuimal  wben 
at  a  rapid  gait.    - 

Inspection. — Severe  supporting-leg  lameness,  with  volar 
flexion  of  the  fetlock  when  at  rest.  Should  the  fracture  be 
complete  the  broken  parts  may  show  abnormal  mobility, 
and  on  account  of  their  dislocation  deformity  is  brought  on, 
with  subsequent  swelling.  When  the  bone  is  only  fissured, 
the  animal  is  still  able  to  support  some  weight  with  the 
lame  leg. 

Palpation. — Pronounced  crejiitation  and  usually  abnormal 
mobility.  When  the  lateral  prominences  are  broken  off, 
mobility  is  marked  from  side  to  side.  Great  pain  is  also 
present.  In  absence  of  crepitation  artificial  rotation  must 
be  resorted  to;  if  it  is  not  productive  of  crepitation,  careful 
palpation  of  the  anterior  surface  of  the  suffraginis  must  be 
practiced,  by  starting  at  the  middle  of  the  anterior  part  of 
the  superior  extremit}^  of  this  lone,  going  down  along  the 
extensor  pedis  tendon.  Any  increased  sensibility,  along  the 
course  of  the  tendon,  running  to  one  side  or  to  the  other 
(usually  the  outer  one),  suggests  a  fissured  condition  of  the 
OS  suffraginis.  To  correctly  estimate  the  degree  of  pain 
resulting  from  such  a  palpation  the  leg  must  be  kept  quiet 
during  the  examination,  and  it  is  advisable  to  test  the  sound 
leg  in  the  same  manner,  thus  comparing  pain  and  conforma- 
Hon. 

7.— Fracture  of  the  Os  Corona. 

This  fracture  is  diagnosed  in  the  same  way  as  that  of  the 
OS  suffraginis,  and  the  rules  given  under  Sub.  6  can  be 
equally  well  applied  in  recognizing  this  fracture.    Whenever 


70  LAMENESS   IN   THE   HORSE. 

there  is  crepitatiou  about  the  os  coronn,,  and  no  fracture  of 
the  OS  suffraginis  present,  the  diagnosis  of  "  fracture  of  the 
OS  corona"  is  in  all  probability  the  correct  one. 

8. — Fracture  of  the  Os  Pedis. 

History. — Same  as  in  Sub.  6,  but  can  also  be  the 
consequence  of  a  nail  puncture. 

Inspection. — Excessive  supportiug-leg  lameness,  with  volar 
flexion  of  the  phalanges  while  at  rest. 

Palpation. — Crepitation,  in  the  majority  of  cases,  is  absent, 
even  on  artificial  rotation.  Compression  of  the  horny  box, 
usually,  but  not  invariably,  is  painful.  Within  the  first 
twenty-four  hours  after  the  bone  has  been  broken  there  are 
no  symptoms  of  acute  inflammation  of  the  flexor  tendons  or 
hoof,  but  after  that  time  increased  pulsation  of  the  digital 
arteries  sets  in.  A  good  deal  of  discretion  therefore  is 
required  to  diagnose  this  trouble.  If  crepitation  and  marked 
pain  on  compressing  the  hoof  are  absent,  the  history  of  the 
case,  the  sudden  seveie  snpporling-leg  lameness,  with 
excessive  volar  flexion  of  the  phalanges  and  a  careful  general 
examination,  to  detect  another  cause,  with  failure  to  do  so, 
make  the  diagnosis  of  "fracture  of  the  os  pedis"  tolerably 
certain. 

9.— Ringbone, 

History. — Severe  or  slight  lameness;  when  slight,  the 
animal  is  apt  to  drive  out  of  it,  and  the  amount  of  lameness 
is  likely  to  diminish  after  prolonged  rest. 

Inspection. — More  or  less  severe  supporting-leg  lameness, 
increased  by  short  turns  or  moving  the  horse  in  a  small 
circle,  especially  in  the  peri-articular  form.  Lameness  is 
more  decided  on  hard  than  on  soft  ground.    In  stepping,  the 


LAMENESS  IN  THE    PHALANGEAL   KEGION. 


71 


affected  joint  is  lield  stiffly  and  the  foot  is  picked  up  in  a 
snatching  fashion.  While  at  rest,  the  lame  leg  is  inclined  to 
be  abducted,  as  the  phalanges  are  usually  kept  in  volar 
flexion.  Swelling  may  be  seen  either  on  the  inside,  outside, 
or  in  front  of  the  large  or  small  pastern  bone.  When  on  the 
inside  or  outside  of  the  large  pastern  bone,  it  is  called 
"peri -articular  high  ringbone  ";  should  the  swelling  extend 


Fig.  11. 
Articular  Ringbone. 

from  the  inside  or  the  outside  to  the  anterior  surface  of  this 
bone,  it  is  known  as  "articular  high  ringbone".  The  same 
is  true  of  the  small  pastern  bone,  only  it  is  termed  either 
"peri-articular  "  or  "  articular  low"  ringbone.  In  the  first 
instance  the  swelling  is  on  the  inside  or  outside  of  the  bone, 
in  the  latter  the  swelling  extends  to  the  anterior  face  of  that 
bone  in  the  shape  of  a  ring, — that  is,  the  enlargement 
encircles  the  bone.     Atrophy  of  the  muscles  of  the  leg, — a 


72  LAMENESS   IN   THE   HORSE. 

natural  cousequeuce  of  their  inactivity, — is  the  more 
developed  the  older  the  case.  During  inspection  both  legs 
must,  if  possible,  support  the  same  amount  of  weight. 
Lateral  swellings  are  best  seen  from  in  front.  Swellings 
involving  the  anterior  portion  of  the  bone  are  more  readily 
detected  by  sighting  the  bone  from  above  or  sideways. 

Palpation. — In  cases  where  the  enlargement  is  as  yet 
small  it  is  difficult  to  diagnose  ringbone.  In  the  articular, 
as  well  as  the  peri- articular  form,  either  high  or  low,  the 


Fig.  12. 
Peri-articular  Ringbone. 

swelling  is  of  a  bony  hardness  and  painless,  the  skin  on  top 
of  it  is  movable.  In  high  ringbone  the  inferior  extremity 
of  the  OS  suffraginis  is  most  frequently  attacked,  while  iu 
low  ringbone  the  enlargement  is  somewhere  about  the 
inferior  extremity  of  the  os  corona.  Passive  flexion, 
extension  and  rotation  show  limited  mobility  of  the  diseased 
joint,  indicating  anchylosis;  there  is  also  permanent  volar 
flexion  of  the  j^halanges.  A  positive  diagnosis  can,  as  a 
rule,  only  be  arrived  at  after  the  enlargement  has  fully 
developed. 


LAMENESS  IN  THE   PHALANGEAL   REGION.  73 

Differential  Diagnosis. — In  colts,  on  account  of  the 
incomplete  growth  of  the  hoof,  the  coronet  joint  lies  higher 
and  the  phalangeal  extremities  are  more  prominent ;  but  the 
absence  of  lameness,  and  the  fact  that  the  young  animal 
supports  weight  with  all  its  feet  normally,  will  settle  any 
doubt.  Sideboues  ought  not  to  be  mistaken  for  low  ringbone 
when  palpation  is  properly  conducted.  Careful  palpation 
will  also  differentiate  thickened  conditions  of  the  skin  about 
the  regions  usually  showing  rirgbone,  but  some  trouble  may 
be  experienced  in  differentiating  sprain  of  the  coronet  joint 
from  ringbone.  In  these  cases  the  increased  temperature 
of  the  part  upon  pressure  and  the  history  will  usually  suffice 
to  recognize  this  as  distortion  of  the  coronet  joint,  bearing 
in  mind  that  no  increased  heat  or  pain  is  noticed  on 
palpation  in  true  ringbone. 

10.— Fracture  of  the  Navicular  Bone. 

History. — Sudden  severe  lameness  following  jumping, 
stopping  the  animal  suddenly  while  going  at  a  rapid  gait, 
nail  punctures,  etc. 

Inspection. — The  lame  leg  is  constantly  kept  in  the  air,  or 
rests  on  the  toe.  When  the  animal  is  obliged  to  support 
weight  with  the  lame  leg  it  will  do  so  most  cautiously,  with 
excessive  volar  flexion  of  the  phalanges,  the  toe  being  held 
obliquely  downward  and  backward.  Later  on  swelling 
appears  in  the  hollow  of  the  heel. 

Palpation. — Intense  pain  is  produced  by  raising  the  foot 
and  practicing  forced  dorsal  flexion  of  the  phalanges,  by 
extending  the  toe  and  pushing  it  in  an  upward  direction. 
In  the  one  case  met  with  by  the  writer,  which  was  in  a 
trotting  hoi'se  going  at  a  20  gait,  and  suddenly  stopped  on 
the  track  to  avoid  a  collision,  seen  about  four  hours  after 


74  LAMENESS   IN   THE   HORSE. 

intense  lameness  appeared,  the  above  symptoms,  with 
increased  throbbing  of  the  digital  arteries  of  the  lame  foot, 
were  evident.  The  diagnosis  was  confirmed  by  a  post 
mortem  examination. 

11.— Navicular  Disease. 

History. — The  horse  points  forward  whenever  standing 
still.  Later  on  he  seems  stiff  when  first  taken  out  of  the 
stable,  going  lamer  on  hard  than  on  soft  ground,  and 
gradually  drives  out  of  the  lameness. 

Ins})€>dkm. — In  the  standing  posture  the  animal  shows 
volar  flexion  of  the  phalanges,  pointing  forward.  When 
both  feet  are  involved,  he  frequently  shifts  the  weight  from 
one  foot  to  the  other,  and  keeps  them  in  advance  of  the 
chest,  or  first  poiuts  with  one  foot  and  then  with  the  other. 
When  going,  there  is  a  tendency  to  dig  the  toes  into  the 
ground,  and  the  animal  is  apt  to  stumble,  especially  in 
disease  of  both  feet.  In  these  cases  the  gait  is  stilty,  the 
shoulders  appear  stiff,  and  the  feet  remain  on  the  ground  as 
little  as  possible.  Little  exercise  is  necessary  to  bring  on 
sweating  and  exhaustion.  In  the  early  stages  of  the  disease, 
the  animal  may  drive  out  of  the  lameness  ;  nevertheless, 
hard  work  intensifies  it.  Resting  the  horse  entirely  for  a 
long  time  often  diminishes  the  lameness  to  such  an  extent 
that  it  is  barely  visible.  It  is  a  distinct  supporting-leg 
lameness.  Backing  is  difficult.  Lameness  is  usually 
increased  by  travelling  on  hard  and  rough  ground.  In  cases 
of  some  standing,  inspection  of  the  hoof  shows  an  apparently 
swollen  condition  of  the  coronet,  ridges  on  the  horny  box, 
the  hoof  seems  lengthened,  the  heels  are  long,  the  quarters 
diminished  in  size,  the  concavity  of  the  sole  is  greatly 
increased,  and  the  frog  more  or  less  atrophied.     The  toe  of 


LAMENESS  IN  THE   PHALANGEAL   REGION.  75 

the  hoof  or  shoe  shows  more  wear  than  any  other  part  of 
the  hoof  or  shoe.  Contraction  in  itself  must  not  be  relied 
upon  too  much  in  the  diagnosis  of  navicular  disease,  even 
in  cases  of  some  standing.  For  instance,  it  is  well  to  know 
that  the  left  foot  naturally  is  often  smaller  than  the  right 
one,  although  the  writer  is  acquainted  with  a  three-year-cld 
trotting  horse  and  a  five-year-old  carriage  horse,  in  both  of 
which  the  right  fore  foot  is  perceptibly  smaller  than  the  left 
one  ;  neither  of  these  horses  have  ever  been  lame. 

Palpation. — Heat  in  the  hollow  of  the  heel  and  increased 
pulsation  of  the  collateral  arterj^  of  the  cannon  or  digital 
arteries,  according  to  most  authorities,  is  not  detected  iu 
true  navicular  disease.  In  cases  of  navicular  disease  seen 
by  the  writer,  some  of  which  were  confirmed  as  such  by 
post  mortem  examinations,  increased  pulsation  of  the 
arteries  or  increase  of  temperature  about  the  hollow  of  the 
heel  were  absent.  The  deep-seated  pain  may  be  detected 
by  pushing  the  thumb  firmly  into  the  hollow  of  the  heel  in 
the  direction  of  the  navicular  bone  ;  at  the  same  time  the 
toe  is  forced  upwards.  "When  this  does  not  give  satisfactory 
results,  one  jaw  of  the  hoof-tester  is  placed  upon  the  middle 
of  the  frog,  while  the  other  one  rests  upon  the  wall  in  the 
region  of  the  toe,  and  now  gradual  pressure  is  exercised. 
Sometimes  the  sole  and  bars  are  too  thick  to  permit  of 
positive  results  with  the  pincers ;  in  such  cases  the  bars 
and  sole  must  first  be  pared  before  the  test  with  the  pincers  is^ 
made.  Should  there  still  be  a  doubt  existing  after  this  test, 
the  animal  can  be  shod  with  a  bar  shoe,  the  bar  of  which 
presses  upon  the  frog.  In  true  navicular  disease,  lameness 
will  then  increase.  My  personal  experience  taught  me  that 
a  tip  with  a  toe  piece, — thus  raising  the  toe  and  bringing 
the  heels  abnormally  low, — gives  better  results  and  is  more 


76  LAMENESS   IN   THE   HOESE. 

easily  made  thau  the  bar-slioe.  lu  case  both  feet  are 
affected  at  the  same  time,  diagnosis  often  becomes 
exceedingly  difficult,  and  main  reliance  should  be  placed  in 
palpation.  A  good  deal  of  discretion  is  required,  as  the 
animal  experiences  pain  by  standing  upon  one  leg,  which  is 
necessary  during  the  examination  ;  therefore  his  attempts  to 
draw  away  the  foot  to  be  examined  cannot  always  be  looked 
upon  as  pain  resulting  from  the  hoof-testers,  etc. 

Differential  Diagnosis:  1.  Sesamoid  Lameness. — Careful 
examination  of  the  region  of  the  sesamoids  is  sufficient  to 
avoid  errors.     (See  page    66.) 

2.  Thrush. — In  bad  cases  of  thrush,  where  the  greater 
part  of  the  frog  is  diseased,  a  supporting-leg  lameness  is 
sometimes  produced,  which  in  some  respects  resembles 
navicular  lameness.  In  thrush,  volar  flexi<"i  of  the 
phalanges  and  forward  pointing  are  not  so  persistent  as  in 
navicular  disease.  In  severe  forms  of  thrush,  lameness, 
more  acute  on  soft  than  on  hard  and  level  ground,  with  a 
tendency  to  increase  when  working,  is  apparent.  Pressure 
upon  the  diseased  frog  with  the  hoof-tester  must  be  done 
carefully  and  slowly,  as  less  piessure  is  required  to  produce 
pain  in  thrush  than  in  navicular  disease.  In  doubtful  cases 
it  is  advisable  to  practice  forced  dorsal  flexion  of  the 
phalanges,  which,  as  alread}'  stated,  usually  causes  pain  in 
true  navicular  disease,  but  not  in  thrush. 

3.  Sprain  of  the  Posterior  Liyamenis  of  tlie  Coronet  Joint. — 
The  examination  of  the  horny  box  and  its  contents  with  the 
hoof- tester  is  painless ;  but  palpation  of  the  region  of  the 
posterior  ligaments  of  this  joint  will  in  all  probability  locate 
pain  and  perhaps  swelling  of  the  ligaments  in  question. 
Lameness  resulting  from  sprain  of  the  posterior  ligaments 


LAMENESS  IN  THE   PHALANGEAL   REGION.  77 

of   the    coronet   joint   is    nsuallj    much    more    severe    than 
navicular  lameness. 

4.  Contracted  Sole. — This  condition  is  rare,  and  often 
exceedingly  difficult  to  differentiate  from  navicular  disease. 
The  generally  accepted  points  of  difference  are  as  follows: 
While  there  is  throbbing  in  the  digital  arteries  in  contracted 
sole,  there  is  none  in  navicular  disease ;  in  the  latter  the 
entire  hoof  atrophies  ;  in  contracted  sole  there  is  only  a 
narrowing  of  the  inferior  border  of  the  hoof.  Little  red 
spots  are  found  in  the  white  line  in  contracted  sole,  but  not 
in  navicular  disease.     (See  page  152.J 

5.  Contracted  Quarters.— Are  easily  mistaken  for  navicular 
disease ;  in  contracted  quarters  there  is  usually  throbbing 
in  the  digital  arteries  and  pain  on  compressing  the  quarters, 
which  is  not  found  in  navicular  disease.  Should  contracted 
quarters  be  a  consequence  of  navicular  disease,  the  pressure 
upon  the  frog,  to  demonstrate  pain,  must  decide. 


CHAPTER   IX. 


LAMENESS  IN  THE  HIND-LEG. 


Anatomo-physiological  Revie-w. 

The  lunctions  of  tlie  hind-leg,  like  those  of  the  fore-leg, 
may  be  divided  into  the  swinging  and  supporting  leg.  The 
supporting  leg  sustains  the  weight  while  the  animal  is  at 
rest,  but  during  motion  it  is  also  concerned  in  the  propulsion 
of  the  body.  The  function  of  the  supporting  leg  is  executed 
principally  without  the  aid  of  muscles,  it  being  equipped 
with  a  check  apparatus  which  fixes  the  joints.  Under  these 
circumstances  an  expenditure  of  muscular  energy  becomes 
at  once  unnecessary,  provided  the  joints  from  the  stifle  down 
are  fixed,  the  ilium  being  immovable  and  sustained  by  the 
head  of  the  femur.  The  flexor  metatarsi  unites  the  stifle 
aud  hock  joints,  the  gastrocuemii,  the  posterior  face  of  the 
femur  and  os  calcis.  As  the  flexor  metatarsi  is  in  front  and 
the  gastrocuemii  behind  the  axis  of  the  stifle  and  hock  joints, 
the  femur  is  connected  with  the  metatarsus  in  such  a 
manner  as  to  make  the  movements  of  these  two  joints 
dependent  on  each  other, — that  is,  if  one  is  extended  or 
flexed  the  other  undergoes  the  same  movement  at  the  same 
time.  The  phalanges  are  fixed  similarly  as  in  the  fore-leg 
by  the  flexor  tendons ;  the  check  ligament  of  the  perforaus 
pulling  the  hock  downward  and  backward,  just  as  the  carpus 
is  fixed  in   the   fore-leg.     While   the    check  ligament  just 


LAMENESS   IN  THE   HIND-LEG. 


79 


mentioned  is  less  developed  in  the  hind-leg,  it,  together 
with  the  flexor  pedis  perforans  and  perforatus,  helps  to  fix 
the  stifle  and  hock  joints,  sustaining  the  equilibrium  of  the 
limb.     Whenever  the  weight  of  the  body  causes  the  fetlock 


J  .-^ 


-•^ 


Fia.  13. 
1.  Upper  insertion  of  flexor  perforatus ;  2,  do.  of  gastrocnemii ;  3,  do. 
of  ilexor  metatarsi ;  4,  lower  insertion  of  flexor  metatarsi ;  5,  do.  of 
extensor  pedis  ;  6,  do.  of  gastrocnemii ;  7,  do.  of  flexor  perforans. 


to  descend,  and  thus  tightens  the  check  apparatus,  the 
inferior  extremity  of  the  femur  is  pulled  down  and  backward. 
This  same  act  has  also  a  tendency  to  extend  the  stifle  joint 
and  to  fix  it ;  the  supporting  leg,  therefore,  is  provided  with 
a  fixed  stifle  joint,  which  in  return  means  that  all  other 
joints  are  also  fixed.   The  stifle  joint  is  fixed  by  the  tightened 


80  LAMENESS   IN  THE   HOR^E. 

perforatus,  perforaus  and  teudiuoias  iutersections  of  the 
gastrociiemii,  which  pull  the  femur  backward.  In  front 
the  flexor  metatarsi  envelopes  the  stifle,  also  assisting  in 
its  extension.  In  this  manner  the  equilibrium  is  almost 
perfect,  very  little  help  of  the  muscles  inserted  about  the 
patella  being  required  to  maintain  it.  The  propulsion  of 
the  weight  of  the  body  depends  on  the  three  upper  joints 
and  their  powerful  muscles.  Vigorous  extension  of  these 
joints  produces  decided  tightening  of  the  flexor  tendons  of 
the  foot,  pressing  the  toe  and  sole  of  the  hoof  against  the 
ground.  This  stretching  of  the  flexors  results  in  an  elastic 
gait  and  facilitates  the  beginning  forward  stride  If  the 
extension  of  the  hind-leg  takes  place  slowly,  as  in  a  walk, 
the  body,  so  to  speak,  is  pushed  forward.  Trotting  and 
galloping,  calling  for  a  more  powerful  and  sudden  extension 
of  the  hind-leg,  throws  the  body  forward. 

At  the  moment  the  function  of  the  supporting  leg  is 
finished,  all  fasciae  are  tense,  this  being  the  primary  factor 
in  introducing  the  function  of  the  swinging  leg, — that  is, 
the  beginning  of  the  forward  stride.  Now  the  ilio-psoas, 
tensor  fasciae  lata,  pectineus  and  sartorius  act  to  advance 
the  leg,  taking  place  under  gradual  flexion  of  all  joints.  As 
soon  as  the  hoof  is  perpendicularly  under  the  hip-joint,  the 
further  advance  of  the  leg  is  accompanied  by  gradual 
extension  of  all  joints  from  the  stifle  down ;  while  the  above 
named  muscles  continue  their  action,  the  triceps  femoris, 
similar  to  the  olecranian  muscles  of  the  fore-leg,  assists  in 
the  extension  of  the  stifle  and  hock  joints  and  forward 
movement  of  the  limb.  The  extensors  of  the  hock  and  foot 
are  also  concerned  in  this  motion  ;  thus  the  hoof  reaches  the 
ground,  and  the  function  of  the  supporting  leg  begins  once 
more.     The  function  of  the  supporting  leg  is  based  upon 


LAMENESS   IN  THE   HIND  LEG.  81 

the  tigliteuing  of  the  teuclinous  apparatus  fixing  the  joints, 
it  being  assisted  by  the  triceps  femoris.  There  is  at  first 
a  gradual  increasing  flexion  of  the  joints,  due  to  the 
relaxation  of  the  patellar  muscles,  the  joints  of  the  limb 
flexing  as  the  weight  of  the  body  is  received  by  the  leg,  until 
the  hoof  is  about  perpendicularly  below  the  hip  joint ;  now 
the  energetic  contractions  of  the  extensors  of  the  hip,  stifle 
aud  hock  joints,  which  means  practically  all  the  muscles  of 
the  leg,  lengthen  it  and  move  the  body  forward. 

Swinging-leg  lameness  of  the  hind-leg  can  be  divided 
into  three  main  groups. 

Swinging-leg  lameness  in  general  depends  on  diseased 
conditions  of  the  active  organs  of  locomotion,  primarily  the 
muscles ;  but  disease  of  the  joints,  tendons  and  their 
sheaths  may  also  produce  it. 

Swinging-leg  lameness,  with  retarded  movement  and 
shortening  of  the  anterior  half  of  the  step,  is  present  in  : 

1.  Inflammation  and  rupture  of  the  ilio-psoas.  The 
hind-legs  are  dragged,  rising  and  lying  down  is  painful,  and 
therefore  cautiously  done. 

2.  Painful  states  in  the  tensor  fasciae  lata. 

3.  Inflammatory  processes  in  the  gluteal  muscles, 
especially  the  tendon  of  the  middle  gluteus. 

4  Contraction  of  the  muscular  elements  of  the  limb,  due 
to  severe  and  continued  work,  bring  on  a  dragging  gait ;  it  is 
characterized  by  the  fact  that  the  phalangeal  muscles  are 
also  affected,  causing  the  fetlock  to  be  upright  and  to 
knuckle  over  at  the  moment  the  function  of  the  supporting- 
leg  sets  in. 

5.  Paralysis  of  the  sciatic  nerve  and  its  collateral 
branches. 


82  LAMENESS   IN   THE    HOUSE. 

6.  Diseases  of  joiuts,  as  upward  luxation  of  the  patella, 
iijflammatiou  of  the  hip  aud  stifle  joints. 

7.  Painful  conditions  of  tendon  sheaths,  as  that  of  the 
flexor  pedis  perforans  on  the  inner  surface  of  the  hock  joint, 
or  perforatus  on  the  os  calcis.  As  long  as  this  condition  is 
acute  and  painful  it  causes  an  apparently  spasmodic  and 
frequently  repeated  flexion  of  all  joints,  the  hoof  often  being 
raised  as  high  as  the  hock.  Disease  of  the  lower  tendon 
sheaths  produces  an  upright  fetlock. 

8.  Painful  states  of  bones,  as  fracture  of  the  trochanter 
of  the  femur,  fracture  of  the  pelvis  in  front  of  the  acetabulum, 
in  periostitis  and  fissures  of  the  tibia. 

9.  Painful  diseases  in  the  neighborhood  of  the  upper 
thigh,  as  in  inguinal  hernia,  scirrhous  cord,  swollen  inguinal 
glands. 

Swinging-leg  lameness,  with  irregular  action  of  the  limb, 
is  present  in : 

1.  Excessive  flexion  of  all  joints,  as  in  stringhalt ;  spavin 
and  painful  conditions  of  the  skin  about  the  phalanges,  as  in 
grease  or  injuries  to  the  anterior  portion  of  the  coronet ;  in 
the  latter  the  excessive  flexion  soon  disappears  after  a  few 
steps  have  been  taken.  The  stifle  joint  is  continually  flexed 
in  inflammation  of  the  stifle  and  paralysis  of  the  tibial 
nerve. 

2.  Upward  luxation  of  the  patella,  which  is  followed  by 
excessive  extension  of  all  joints. 

Swinging-leg  lameness,  with  abnormal  motion  of  some 
joints,  is  present  in  : 

1.  Hip  joint.     Excessive  flexion,  as  in  spavin. 

2.  Stifle  joint.  Excessive  flexion  of  this  joint,  with 
extreme  extension  of  the  hock  joint,  is  seen  in  rupture  of 
the  tendinous  part   of   the  flexor  metatarsi.     Occasionally 


LAMENESS  IN   THE   HIND-LEG.  83 

outward  luxation  of  the  patella  produces  abnormal  flexion 
of  the  stifle  joint ;  upward  luxation  of  the  patella  causes 
excessive  extension  of  both  the  stifle  and  hock  joints. 
Bupture  of  the-gastrocnemii  or  their  tendons  gives  rise  to 
abnormal  extension  of  the  stifle  and  the  hock  joint,  flexing 
as  weight  is  put  upon  the  leg. 

3.  Hock  joint.  Paralysis  of  the  tibial  nerve,  which  is 
rare,  produces  excessive  flexion  of  this  joint  in  the  swinging 
as  well  as  in  the  supporting  leg ;  abnormal  extension  of  the 
hock  joint,  as  in  rupture  of  the  flexor  metatarsi,  fractures  of 
the  femur  and  tibia. 

4.  Phalanges.  Paralysis  of  the  tibial  nerve  and  rupture 
of  the  extensor  pedis,  especially  its  tendon,  is  manifested  by 
volar  flexion  of  that  region. 

Supporting-leg  lameness  of  the  hind-leg  can  be  divided 
into  eight  main  groups. 

The  supporting  action  of  the  hind-leg  depends  on  the 
resistance  offered  by  its  long  bones  and  the  fixing  of  the 
different  joints,  which  is  mainly  done  by  the  triceps  femoris 
.  and  the  tendon  of  the  gastrocnemii. 

Suspension  of  the  function  of  the  supporting  leg,  with 
inability  to  support  the  weight  of  the  body,  collapsing  in 
the  attempt,  is  present  in : 

1.  Paralysis  of  the  triceps  femoris,  or  crural  nerve. 

2.  Animals  suffering  with  thrombosis  of  the  iliac  arteries 
after  active  exercise. 

3.  Knpture  of  the  patellar  muscles  and  of  the   straight 
ligaments  of  the  patella. 

4.  Complete  outward  luxation  of  the  patella. 

5.  Kupture  of  the  gastrocnemii  or  their  tendon. 

6.  Fracture  of  the  long  bones. 


84  LAMENESS   IN  THE   HOKSE. 

Shortening  of  the  period  of  weight-bearing  and  posterior 
half  of  the  step  is  present  in  : 

1.  Diseases  of  the  hoof. 

2.  Painful  states  in  the  tendons  and  tendon  sheaths  of 
the  flexor  muscles,  especially  the  perforans. 

3.  Painful  diseases  of  the  joints ;  short  turns  increasing 
the  lameness,  as  in  spavin. 

4.  Inflammatory  conditions  of  the  fasciae. 

5.  Fractures  of  the  pelvis  and  painful  diseases  of  the 
muscles  of  the  internal  crural  region,  especially  the  gracilis 
muscle. 

Abduction  of  the  whole  leg,  is  present  in  : 

Painful  states  in  the  outer  half  of  the  hoof,  in  animals 
spavined  on  both  legs. 

Abduction  of  the  entire  leg,  is  present  in  : 

Fractures  of  the  pelvis,  especially  pubis,  and  in  the 
cotyloid  cavity ;  thrombosis  of  the  iliac  arteries,  and 
occasionally  in  spavin. 

Inward  and  outward  rotation  of  the  whole  leg  is  present  in: 

1.  Inward  or  outward  rotation,  as  in  fractures  of  the 
long  boneri. 

2.  Inward  rotation,  in  rupture  of  the  internal  ligament 
of  the  patella  and  in  inflammation  of  the  bursa  and  tendon 
of  the  middle  gluteus  muscle.  In  backward  luxation  of  the 
femur,  the  leg  is  also  adducted. 

3.  Outward  rotation,  with  abduction,  in  forward  luxation, 
and  with  lengthening  of  the  leg  in  inward  luxation  (obturator 
foramen)  of  the  femur. 

Abnormal  flexion  of  all  joints  of  the  leg,  is  present  in ; 
(See  pages  82-83.) 


LAMENESS   IN  THE    HIND-LEG.  85 

Abnormal  extension  of  all  joints  of  the  leg  is  present  in  : 
(See  pages  82,  83.) 

Abuormal  position  of  individual  joints  in  the  suppoiting- 
leg,  is  present  in  : 

1.  Exaggerated  flexion  of  the  hip  joint,  with  forward 
pointing  of  the  limb  in  order  to  relieve  pain  in  diseases  of 
the  fore  feet,  as  founder ;  abnormal  extension  of  the  hip 
joint,  as  in  bilateral  chronic  inflammation  of  the  stifle  joiut. 

2.  Stifle  joint.  Abnormal  flexion  of  this  joint  is  seen  in 
the  disease  mentioned  on  page  82,  also  in  outward  luxation 
of  the  patella.  Abnormal  extension,  as  in  upward  luxation 
of  the  patella. 

3.  Hock  joint.  Abnormal  flexion  of  the  joint,  as  in 
paralysis  of  the  crural  nerve,  disease  of  the  patellar  muscles 
and  rupture  of  the  gastrocnemii  or  their  tendon.  Paralysis 
of  the  tibial  nerve  causes  abnormal  flexion  of  the  stifle  and 
hock  joints.  Excessive  extension  of  the  hock  joint  is 
sometimes  due  to  spavin. 

4.  Phalanges.  On  the  whole,  the  same  causes,  bringing 
about  abnormal  positions  in  the  fore-leg,  are  also  active  in 
the  production  of  similar  conditions  in  the  hind-leg.  An 
upright  fetlock  is  produced  by  inflammations  of  the  flexor 
tendons  and  their  sheaths,  or  shortening  of  their  muscular 
or  tendinous  portion.  Although  these  symptoms  are  about 
the  same  as  in  the  fore-leg,  the  hock  joint  is  less  influenced 
than  the  carpus,  but  muscular  contraction  results  in 
knuckling  at  the  fetlock  at  each  step.  An  upright  fetlock 
also  follows  diseases  of  the  phalangeal  joints,  chiefly  the 
fetlock  and  coronet  joints;  inflammatory  changes  in  the  skin 
on  the  posterior  face  of  the  phalanges  ;  in  the  hoof,  as  a 
secondary  symptom,  all  such  conditions  as  paralysis  of  the 


86  LAMENESS  IN  THE   HORSE. 

crural  aud  tibial  nerves  and  rupture  of  the  gastrocnemii  and 
their  tendon. 

Dorsal  flexion  of  the  phalanges  accompanies  anything 
increasing  the  angle  of  the  hock,  such  as  dislocation  of  the 
flexor  pedis  perforatus,  rupture  and  stretching  of  the  flexor 
tendons,  sesamoidal  ligaments,  and  finally  horizontal 
fracture  of  the  sesamoid  bones. 


CHAPTEK  X. 


LAMENESS   IK    THE    GLUTEAL   REGION. 


1. — Hip  Lameness. 

The  symptoms  in  hip  lameness  are  sufficiently  pronounced 
to  establish  the  region  of  the  hip  as  the  seat  of  the 
lameness.  Nevertheless,  it  is  an  ambiguous  diagnosis, 
which  immediately  points  out  that  the  exact  seat  of  the 
lameness  is  only  known  approximately.  Nor  is  it  to 
be  wondered  at,  that  diagnostic  difficulties  are  met  with, 
since  the  thick  layers  of  muscles  necessarily  interfere 
with  palpation  and  the  results  of  phathological  processes,  as 
heat,  pain  and  swelling,  etc.,  are  ill-defined;  therefore, 
morbid  conditions  about  the  hip  joint  or  upper  region  of  the 
hind-leg  will  occasionally  escape  the  closest  observer. 

History. — Lameness  following  falls,  collisions,  kicks, 
slips,  etc. 

From  a  clinical  standpoint  it  is  of  value  to  divide  this 
lameness  into  three  main  groups :  (a)  In  the  bones  of 
the  pelvis  or  femur,  as  old  fractures  ;  {h)  diseased  conditions 
of  the  muscles  of  that  region,  this  being  undoubtedly  the 
most  frequent  cause ;  (c)  peripheral  nerve  paralysis, 
especially  in  paralysis  of  branches  of  the  great  sciatic, 
crural  and  obturator  nerves. 

Inspection. — It  is  clear  that  the  nature  of  a  lameness 
depending  on  so  many  causes  will  not  be  alike  in  all  cases; 


88  LAMENESS   IN   THE   HORSE. 

at  the  same  time  there  is  a  certain  similarity  iu  the 
symptoms  offered.  Swiuging-leg  lameness,  with  retarded 
movement  of  the  leg,  or  even  dragging  of  the  whole  leg.  If 
the  hip  joint  is  diseased  supporting-leg  lameness  is  noticed, 
while  diseased  conditions  of  the  muscular  elements  do  not, 
as  a  rule,  interfere  with  the  function  of  the  supporting  leg. 
Lameness  is  apt  to  increase  on  hard  woik,  backing  and 
abrupt  turning.  Sometimes  the  animal  stai-ts  out  lame, 
gradually  driving  out  of  the  lameness  ;  or  the  reverse  is 
true. 

Paljxition. — Swelling,  increased  heat  and  pain  may  be 
detected,  and  serve  as  valuable  guides  in  locating  the  seat  of 
the  lameness. 

2.— Inflammation  cf  the  Tendon  and  Tendon  Sheath 
of  the  Middle  Gluteus  Muscle. 

Anatomy. — This,  the  largest  of  the  glutei  muscles,  is 
attached  superiorly  to  the  internal  face  of  the  gluteal  fascia, 
the  aponeurosis  of  the  longissimus  dorsi,  the  superior  face 
and  anterior  angles  of  the  ilium  and  the  two  ilio-sacral 
ligaments.  Inferiorly,  it  is  inserted  by  means  of  two 
branches  on  the  trochanter  major  of  the  femur ;  one  tendon 
is  fixed  on  the  summit ;  the  other,  after  gliding  over  the 
cartilaginous  surface  of  the  convexity,  where  it  forms  a  large 
bursa,  is  inserted  into  the  crest.     (Chauveau.) 

History. — Lameness  following  falls,  collisions,  heavy 
work,  etc. 

Inspection. — When  at  rest  the  leg  is  usually  flexed,  or  it 
may  support  its  full  share  of  weight,  this  referring  especially 
to  recent  cases.  During  motion  the  animal  trots  obliquely, 
like  a  dog, — that  is,  the  hind-legs  swerve  from  the  straight 
line,  the  forward  stride  being  shortened.     In  chronic  cases 


LAMENESS   IN   THE   GLUTEAL  REGION.  89 

the  lameness  becomes  most  noticeable  when  a  heavy  load  is 


Fig.  14. 
Tendon  sheaths  and  bursas  of  the  hind-limb  of  the  horse,  seen  from 
without  (semi-diagrammatic). — o,  Trochanteric  bursa:  b.  prepatellar 
bursa  ;  e,  bursa  of  the  extensor  pedis  :  d.  bursa  calcanea  ;  e,  bursa 
of  the  iiexor  pedis  perforatus  tendon ;  /,  bursa  of  the  peroneus 
tendon. 

pulled,  the  horse  starting  with  the  sound  leg,  shortening  the 


90  LAMENESS   IN   THE   HOHSE. 

period  of  weigbt-beariug  of  the  lame  leg  as  much  as  possible; 
theu,  again,  lameness  is  most  apparent  when  turning.  In 
these  old  cases  wasting  of  the  gluteal  muscles  is  present. 

Palpation. — In  acute  cases  pain  on  pressure  over  the 
great  trochanter,  increased  heat  and  swelling  in  that  region, 
are  quite  marked.  The  detection  of  crepitation  over  the 
middle  trochanter,  best  felt  by  resting  the  hand  upon  that 
region  and  walking  the  horse  at  the  same  time,  is  to  be 
mainly  relied  upon.  The  writer  has  seen  a  number  of  these 
cases  in  draft-mules  obliged  to  do  heavy  and  prolonged 
backing.  Crepitation  with  local  changes  must  be  looked 
upon  as  pathognomonic,  as  mere  swelling  and  pain  in  that 
region,  and  even  an  oblique  trot,  may  follow  other  diseases, 
— for  instance,  old  cases  of  fractured  pelvis. 


CHAPTEE  XL 


LAMENESS    IN    THE    REGION    OP  THE 
HIP   JOINT. 


1.— Luxation  of  the  Femur. 

History. — Lameness  following  slips,  falls,  unexpected 
turning,  and  blows,  etc. 

Inspection. — Swinging-leg  lameness  is,  as  a  rule,  pro- 
nouncecl,  although  supporting-leg  lameness  is  present  to 
some  extent.  Depending  on  the  kind  of  luxation,  visible 
changes  iu  the  form  of  the  joint  are  present,  and  the  leg  may 
appear  longer  or  shorter  than  usual. 

Palpation. — Either  per  rectum  or  over  the  region  of  the 
hip  joint  one  may  encounter  abnormal  conditions  ;  passive 
movements  are  exceedingly  free  in  one  direction,  and  limited 
in  another  one,  this  differentiating  a  fracture  from  luxation 
almost  invariably.  In  fracture,  passive  movement  is 
generally  unobstructed  and  accompanied  by  crepitations. 
At  times  the  friction  of  the  end  of  the  dislocated  bone 
against  the  soft  parts,  as  muscles,  tendons,  etc.,  causes  a  soft 
crepitation,  easily  distinguished  from  the  harsh,  grating 
sound  of  a  fracture. 

(rt)     FORWARD    LUXATION   OF   THE   FEMUR. 

If  weight  is  put  upon  the  leg  the  trochanter  becomes 
plainly  visible,  stretching  the  skin  which  lies  in  folds  over 
the  thigh  and  stifle,  which  is  turned  outwards;  the  leg 
appears  shortened,  the  femur  is  perpendicular. 


92  LAMENESS   IN   THE   HOKSE. 

(h)    BACKWARD   LUXATION   OF  THE  FEMUR. 

Swinging  and  supporting  leg  lameness.  The  leg  is 
advanced  in  an  outward  swinging  fashion,  the  toe  possibly 
dragging  over  the  ground.  Standing  still,  the  skin  over  the 
gluteal  region  is  tightly  stretched  ;  a  depression  will  be 
noticed  about  the  trochanter  and  a  groove  in  front  of  the 
biceps  muscle.  The  leg  is  abducted,  but  the  stifle  is  turned 
inwards.  Striking  the  trochanter,  or  pushing  the  extended 
leg  suddenly  back,  gives  rise  to  a  dull  sound  as  the  head  of 
the  femur  strikes  the  ischium. 

(c)    INWARD   LUXATION   OF   THE  FEMUR. 

If  the  head  of  the  femur  rests  against  the  transverse 
portion  of  the  os  pubis,  the  animal  shows  an  unsteady, 
wabbling  gait,  a  depression  is  seen  over  the  region  of  the 
hip  joint ;  of  passive  movements,  abduction  is  excessively 
free  while  adduction  is  limited.  If  the  head  of  the  femur 
is  in  the  obturator  foramen,  the  symptoms  are  very  much 
like  those  in  the  just  described  condition,  but  the  head  of 
the  femur  can  be  felt  in  the  obturator  foramen  by  rectal  or 
vaginal  examination,  particularly  when  the  leg  is  pushed 
upwards  at  the  same  time. 

(d)    OUTWARD  LUXATION  OF  THE  FEMUR. 

It  is  quite  difficult  for  the  animal  to  walk,  as  the  leg  is 
materially  shortened.  In  a  case  of  a  mule,  seen  by  the  writer, 
the  trochanter  was  plainly  visible,  and  could  be  readily 
identified  as  such  by  palpation  directly  in  front  and  above 
the  cotyloid  cavity.  Whenever  the  mule  took  a  step  and 
put  weight  upon  the  lame  leg,  decided  upward  movement  of 
the  trochanter  and  stretching  of  the  skin  could  be  readily 
seen.  The  characteristic  points  therefore  are  :  shortening 
of  the   leg   with    adduction,   limited    passive    movements, 


LAMENESS   IN   THE    REGION   OF  THE   HIP- JOINT.  93 

swelling  over  the  hip  joint,  recognized  by  palpation  to  be 
the  trochanter  of  the  femur. 

2.— Inflammation  of  the  Hip  Joint. 

This  disease  is  rave  iu  the  hoise,  and  seldom  recognized 
as  such.  More  or  less  severe  lameness  when  the  leg  is 
brought  forward,  it  being  advanced  in  an  outward  swinging 
manner.  If  the  animal  is  suddenly  turned  on  the  diseased 
leg,  it  is  liable  to  collapse.  "When  purulent  inflammation 
of  the  joiut  is  present,  symptoms  of  cellulitis  in  the  region 
of  the  joint  can  be  discovered,  consistiug,  in  the  first  stages, 
of  a  hot,  painful,  doughy  swelling,  becoming  harder  later  on, 
with  abscess  formation. 

3.— Fracture  of  the  Femur. 

^e.s^o?-?/.— Sudden  lameness  following  falls,  kicks,  strug- 
gling while  cast,  with  inability  to  rise,  etc. 

Imjjecfioii.—Swingmg-leg  lameness  is  seen,  as  well  as 
supporting-leg  lameness.  The  tottering,  dangling  motion  of 
the  thigh,  even  at  a  distance,  suggests  fracture  of  the  femur 
or  tibia.  Should  the  lower  portion  of  the  fractured  bone 
slip  into  the  cotyloid  cavity,  thus  enabling  the  animal  to 
support  weight  on  that  leg,  it  may  become  difficult  to 
diagnose  it,  but,  as  a  ruly,  the  leg  is  then  perceptibly 
shortened.  Severe  swingiiig-leg  lameness, — tbat  is,  a 
shortened  and  retarded  forward  stride  and  abduction  of  the 
leg,  — together  with  swelling  ovei-  the  region  of  the 
trochanter,  follows  fracture  of  the  latter.  Fracture  of  a 
condyle  is  accompanied  by  severe  swinging  and  supporting 
leg  lameness;  all  the  joiuts  are  kept  flexed,  aud  symptoms 
of  acute  infla-nraatiou  of  the  stifle  joiut  set  in  in  a  few  days. 
iSee  page  101.) 


94  LAMENESS   IN   THE   HORSE. 

Palpation. — In  fracture  of  the  neck  or  head  of  the  femur, 
abnormal  abduction  is  possible,  and  crepitation  is,  as  a  rule, 
well  marked,  unless  the  parts  are  too  much  displaced. 
Manipulations,  such  as  passive  movements,  produce  severe 
pain.  In  fracture  of  the  trochanter,  a  painful  swelling  in 
that  region  will  be  noticed.  Localized  and  painful 
swelling,  together  with  the  above  symptoms,  are  found  in 
fracture  of  a  condyle  of  the  femur. 


CHAPTER  XII. 


THHOMBOSIS  OF   THE  POSTERIOR  AORTA 
AND   ITS  BRANCHES. 


History. — An  intermittent  lameness  of  more  or  less 
severity  when  engaged  in  active  work,  disappearing  while 
resting,  and  reappearing  on  brisk  exercise. 

Inspection. — In  the  standing  posture,  and  before  any 
active  exercise  has  been  taken,  nothing  abnormal  is  seen, 
but  as  soon  as  the  animal  is  given  a  good  trot  of  a  few  to 
several  hundred  yards,  supporting-leg  lameness  or  swinging- 
leg  lameness,  depending  on  the  vessels  obstructed,  promptly 
sets  in. 

Palpation. — Now  and  then  the  lame  leg  is  colder  than 
than  the  other  one,  and  rectal  examination  of  the  aorta  or 
its  branches  locates  the  obstructed  vessel. 

(«)   FEMORAL   AETERY. 

Shortened  and  retarded  forward  stride  combined  with 
dragging  of  the  leg.     (Swinging-leg  lameness.) 

(h)    ILIAC  ARTERY. 

Supporting-leg  lameness,  with  collapse  of  the  leg  when  an 
attempt  is  made  to  sustain  weight.  When  both  arteries  are 
obstructed  the  hind  legs  sway  to  and  fro.  Should  exercise 
be  continued,  the  hind  legs  rapidl}'  become  powerless,  and 
the  animals  falls.  In  such  cases,  as  well  as  in  thrombosis 
of  the  posterior  aorta,  inability  to  sustain  any  weight,  even 
when  standing,  is  a  consequence.  These  severe  cases  are 
frequently  accompanied  by  violent  beating  of  the  heart, 
difficult  respiration  and  cramps  in  the  muscles  of  the  hind 
leg.  The  animal  may  sweat  profusely,  yet  the  lame  leg 
remains  dry. 


CHAPTER  XIII. 


PERIPHERAL  NERVE  PARALYSIS. 


Anatomy. — The  lumbo-sacval  plexus  furnishes  the  nerve 
supply  for  the  muscles  of  the  hind-leg.  The  anterior 
portion  of  the  plexus  has  two  important  biauches — the 
crural  and  obturator  nerves.  The  former  supplies  the 
triceps  femoris  muscle,  pectineus  and  long  adductor  of  the 
leg  ;  the  latter  provides  the  adductors  of  the  thigh,  gracilis 
and  obturator  externus.  The  important  part  of  the  posterior 
portion  of  the  plexus  is  the  great  sciatic  nerve  and  its 
collateral  branches ;  of  these  the  small  femoro-popliteal 
nerve  is  distributed  to  the  flexor  metatarsi,  anterior  and 
lateral  extensor  of  the  phalanges,  while  the  tibial  nerve 
supplies  the  adductors,  gastrocnemii  and  flexors  of  the 
foot, — in  fact,  all  the  muscles  on  the  posterior  surface  of 
the  lower  portion  of  the  leg.     (Chauveau.) 

1. — Tibial  Nerve. 

Inspection. — The  animal  supports  weight  with  the  lame 
leg ;  both  hock  and  phalanges  are  excessively  flexed.  The 
hock  cannot  be  extended,  the  leg  is  advanced  by  raising 
the  foot  unusually  high,  and  it  is  put  to  the  ground  in  a 
groping  manner.     Trotting  is  impossible. 

Palpation. — The  lower  portions  of  the  hind  leg  are 
wanting  in  sensibility.  The  gastrocnemii  and  perforans  are 
flabby  and  atrophied,  in  paralysis  of  some  standing. 

2.— Ischiatic  Nerve. 

Inspection. —^\\\\e  walking,  the  leg  is  trailed  over  the 
ground.     The  animal  is  unable  to  advance  or  elevate  the  leg, 


PEEIPHERAL   NERVE    PARALYSIS. 


97 


which  appears  lifeless,  and  the  phalanges  are  excessively- 
flexed.  When  the  leg  is  artificially  placed  in  a  normal 
position  it  is  capable  of  supporting  weight. 

Palpation. — The  muscles  are  flabby,  and  the  sensibility 
of  the  skin  of  the  leg  is  absent. 


Fig.  15. 
Incomplete  crural  paralysis.     From  an  instantaneous  photograph. 

3.— Crural  Nerye. 

Inspection  {complete  paralysis).— li  is  impossible  for  the 
animal  to  support  any  weight  with  the  lame  leg,  and  any 
attempt  in  that  direction  is  immediately  followed  by  extreme 
flexion  of  all  joints, — that  is,  the  leg  collapses. 

Palpation. — The  skin  on  the  inside  of  the  thigh  loses  its 
sensibility. 


98  LAMENESS  IN   THE   HORSE. 

Inspection  {incomplete  paralysis). — The  posterior  half  of 
the  step  is  shortened,  all  joints  are  somewhat  flexed,  and 
the  croup  of  the  aflfected  side  sinks  down  a  little.  In  older 
cases,  the  animal  accustoms  himself  to  a  peculiar  gait,  seen 
to  advantage  when  the  horse  is  led  slowly  by  the  observer. 
The  animal  makes  use  of  the  abductor  and  adductor  muscles 
of  the  leg  to  aid  immobilizing  the  stifle  joint,  as  the  triceps 
femoris  is  powerless.  The  superior  extremity  of  the  tibia 
is  drawn  up  and  backwards,  and  the  patella  remains  fixed 
on  the  condyles  of  the  femur. 

Differential  Diagnosis.— '^n'^iwre  of  the  muscles  of  the 
triceps  femoris  and  outward  luxation  of  the  patella  give  rise 
to  similar  symptoms.  The  diagnosis  of  the  former  is  very 
difficult ;  a  gap  may  possibly  be  found  between  the  separated 
ends  of  the  muscles.  The  fact  that  crural  nerve  paralysis  is 
usually  a  sequel  to  haemoglobinsemia  and  that  rupture  of 
the  muscles  follows  falls  or  slips,  etc.,  may  facilitate  the 
diagnosis  of  rupture  of  a  muscle.  Outward  luxation  of  the 
patella  is  recognized  by  careful  palpation. 

4. — Incomplete  Paralysis  of  the  Hind-leg. 

^^'.s^or?/.— Lameness  following  exposure  to  wet  and  cold, 
unaccustomed  hard  and  continued  work,  and  struggling  when 
cast  and  unable  to  rise,  etc. 

Inspection. — Loss  of  strength  and  irregularity  of  movement 
are  apparent.  Such  animals  appear  weak  behind  and  tire 
rapidly.  The  feet  are  raised  incompletely,  the  toes  are 
dragged,  and  the  corresponding  part  of  the  horny  box  is 
worn  excessively.  The  animal  finishes  the  step  by  lifting 
the  feet  up  rather  suddenly  and  carrying  them  to  an  abnormal 
height;  quite  frequently  the  leg  makes  a  swinging  outward 
movement  as  it  advances.     In  the  next  step  the  horse  takes, 


PEEIPHEEAL  KERYE  PAliALlSIS.  99 

the  feet  possibly  cross  each  other,  the  hind-quarters  execute 
a  sort  of  rolling  motion,  and  the  animal  is  in  danger  of 
falling.  The  awkward  movement  is  plainly  seen  when  the 
horse  is  suddenly  turned.  Beflex  irritability  is  occasionally 
increased.    Slight  bilateral  atrophy  is  liable  to  be  met  with. 


CHAPTER  XIV. 


LAMENESS   IN   THE   REGION   OF   THE 
FEMORO-TIBIAL  ARTICtJLATION, 

Audomij. — This  is  an  imperfect  liiuge-joiut.  It  has  two 
semi-lunar  fibro-cartilages  interposed  between  the  condyles 
of  the  femar  and  tibial  facets.  The  patella  is  united  to  the 
tibia  by  three  ligaments,  situated  in  front  of  the  articulation. 
The  external  patellar  ligament  is  attached  to  the  anterior 
tuberosity  of  the  tibia ;  superiorly  it  is  fixed  to  the  anterior 
fa(!e  of  the  patella.  It  is  also  joined  to  the  internal  ligament 
by  an  aponeurotic  extension  of  the  fascia  lata.  The  internal 
patellar  ligament  is  attached  inferiorly  to  the  inner  side  of 
the  anterior  tuberosity  of  the  tibia.  Superiorly  it  is  fixed 
to  a  prominence  inside  the  patella.  The  middle  patellar 
ligament,  between  the  other  two,  leaves  the  anterior  face  of 
the  patella,  and  is  lodged  in  the  fossa  in  the  middle  of  the 
anterior  tuberosity  of  the  tibia.  The  femoro-patellar  capsule, 
a  membranous  expansion,  maintains  the  patella  against  the 
femoral  trochlea,  covering  above  and  laterally  the  superior 
synovial  membrane.  This  capsule  is  attached  to  the  borders 
of  the  trochlea  and  periphery  of  the  patella.  The  femoro- 
tibial  ligaments  consist  of  two  lateral  ones,  the  external  one 
running  between  the  external  condyle  of  the  femur  and 
fibula,  the  internal  one  between  the  internal  condyle  and 
tibia.  The  posterior  ligament  is  a  capsular  one,  formed  by 
two  layers  ;  the  superficial  layer  is  fixed  above  to  the  posterior 
face  of  the  femur,  and  belcw  to  the  gastrocnemii ;  the  deep 
layer  surrounds  the  condyles  of  the  femur.      After  being 


IN  THE  KEGION  OF  THE  FEMORO-TIBIAL  ARTICULATION.      101 

united,  these  layers  are  attached  close  to  the  posterior 
portion  of  the  superior  articular  face  of  the  tibia.  The 
cru(dal  ligaments  runbetween  the  tibial  spine  and  the  femoral 
condyles.  The  superior  synovial  membrane,  strengthened 
by  the  femoro-patellar  capsule,  facilitates  the  gliding  of  the 
patella.  The  two  lateral  synovial  membranes  facilitate  the 
gliding  of  the  articular  surfaces  of  the  femur  and  tibia.  The 
external  synovial  membrane  also  lines  the  tendon  of  the 
popliteus  muscle,  and  its  expansion  descends  into  the  anterior 
groove  of  the  tibia,  enveloping  the  tendon  of  the  extensor 
pedis  and  flexor  metatarsi.  The  two  lateral  femoro-patellar 
synovial  ligaments  lie  against  that  of  the  femoro-patellar 
articulation,  and  not  infrequently  communicate  with  it. 
(Chauveau.) 

1. — Acute  Inflammation  of  the  Stifle  Joint. 

History. — Lameness  following  external  violence  and 
wounds,  etc. 

Inspection. — Severe  supporting  and  swinging-leg  lameness 
are  evident.  The  animal  carefully  avoids  any  movements, 
and  Uie  whole  leg  is  kept  flexed.  A  diffuse  swelling  around 
the  stifle,  and  in  case  of  a  wound  purulent  synovia  will  be 
seen  to  flow  from  it. 

Palpation. — Great  pain  on  palpation,  with  hot  swelling 
in  the  region  of  the  patella.     (See  fig.  14). 

2. — Chronic  Inflammation  of  the  Stifle  Joint. 

History. — Gradually  developed  lameness  in  draught 
horses  exposed  to  heavy  and  fast  work. 

Inspection. — In  the  earlier  stages  of  the  disease  lameness 
often  escapes  notice,  especially  when  both  stifle  joints  are 
affected.     Swinging-leg  lameness,  with  retarded  movement 


102  LAMENESS  IN  THE   HORSE. 

aud  shoiteued  anterior  half  of  the  step  in  walking, 
particularly  when  starting  out,  is  pronounced.  The  leg  is 
advanced  stiffly,  and  is  apt  to  trip  on  rough  and  uneven 
ground.  The  gait  reminds  one  of  spavin  lameness,  but  it 
lacks  the  peculiar  hip-jerk  of  the  latter.  In  the  standing 
posture,  the  lame  leg,  if  one  only  is  affected,  is  kept  flexed, 
but  when  both  joints  are  diseased  the  weight  is  frequently 


Fig.  16. 
Left-sided  chronic  inflammation  of  the  stifle  joint  (Gonitis  chronica). 

shifted  from  one   leg   to  the  other,  the  resting  one  being 
flexed. 

Palpation. — Pain  is  rarely  produced  by  pressure  upon 
the  diseased  parts,  but  the  distended  capsular  membrane 
can,  as  a  rule,  be  plainly  felt,  aud  perhaps  seen.  In  old  cases 
the  enlarged  internal  condyle  of  the  femur  can  be  readily 
detected,    clearly    noticeable    when    standing    behind  the 


IN  THE  REGION  OF  THE  FEMORO -TIBIAL  ARTICULATION,       103 


auimal,  placing  the  hands  over  the  stifle  and  comparing  the 
two  joints.  Occasionally  abduction  and  inward  rotation  of 
the  diseased  parts  cause  severe  pain. 


Fig.  17. 

Bilateral  chronic  inflaniaiation  of  the  stifle  joint  (Gonitis  chronica 
bilateralis).     From  a  photograph. 

3. — Luxation  of  the  Patella. 

History. — Lameness  following  slips,  falls,  kicks,  etc. 

Inspection. — In  momentary  upward  luxation  lameness 
may  be  so  little  that  it  is  apt  to  be  overlooked,  or  at  the 
moment  the  foot  leaves  the  ground  and  is  carried  forward  a 
sudden  upward  jerk  of  it  is  seen,  similar  to  stringhalt. 
This  peculiar  movement  can  appear  in  one  or  both  legs  ;  it 
is  best  seen   when   the   animal  is  turned  around,  or  it  is 


104  LAMENESS  IN   THE   HORSE. 

cou.s[»icaous  only  dnriup;  the  first  few  steps  when  begiuning 
to  Avoik,  losing  its^-lf  later  on.  Close  observation  is 
therefore  uecessarj-  to  detect  the  momentary  stop  of  the 
patella,  while  again  it  may  be  plainly  seen  to  stop  and 
suddenly  jump  down.  The  sudden  flexion,  following  the 
momentary  stop  of  the  patella  upon  the  inner  lip  of  the 
femoral  trochlea,  must  not  be  mistaken  for  a  cramp  of  the 
muscles    of    the    anterior   femoral    region.     In    stationary 


Fig.  18. 

upward  luxation  of  the  patella  there  is  swinging-leg 
lameness,  with  extreme  extension  of  all  joints, — that  is,  the 
leg  is  stretched  backwards,  and  no  assistance  rendered  can 
flex  the  joints.  In  cases  where  both  joints  are  afi'ected  the 
animal  is  unable  to  move  and  appai'ently  fastened  to  the 
ground. 

OUTWARD   LUXATION   OF  THE   PATELLA. 

Inspection. — There  is  supporting-leg  lameness,  with 
unusual  flexion  of  all  joints,  similar  as  in  crural  nerve 
paralysis. 


IN  THE  KEGION  OF  THE  FEMORO-TIBIAL  ARTICULATION.      105 

Palpation. — Generally  the  patella  cau  be  readily  felt  in 
its  abnormal  place,  while  the  capsular  ligament  is  rather 
prominent  below  the  knee. 

Differential  Diagnosis.  — Crural  nerve  paralysis  and  rupture 
of  the  muscles,  extending  the  stifle  joint,  shows  similar 
symptoms,  but  careful  palpation  and  the  abnormal  position 
of  the  patella  usually  suffice  to  settle  the  question.  (See 
page  97.) 

4.— Rupture  of  the  Straight  Ligaments 
of  the  Patella. 

History. — Lameness  following  external  violence,  jumping 
and  slipping. 

Inspection. — In  rupture  of  the  outer  straight  ligament, 
which  seems  to  be  the  one  most  frequently  involved,  decided 
supporting-leg  lameness  is  the  result.  At  first  it  is  so  severe 
that  no  weight  at  all  is  borne  by  the  lame  leg,  but  later  on 
some  weight  is  sustained. 

Palpation. — Unless  swelling  has  set  in,  which  is  hot  and 
very  painful,  mainly  below  the  patella,  the  presence  of  the 
internal  and  the  middle  straight  ligaments  can  be  established. 
The  gap  in  the  external  straight  ligament  suggests  rupture. 

5. — Fracture  of  the  Patella. 

History. — Lameness  following  falls  and  external  violence. 
This  trouble  is  rare  in  the  horse^ 

Inspection. — Severe  supporting-leg  lameness.  Any  move- 
ment is  carefully  avoided,  apparently  causing  intense  pain. 
After  a  while  swelling  about  the  patellar  region  is  noticeable. 

Palpation. — Crepitation  is  usually  absent,  and  unless  the 
swelling  interferes,  the  broken  pieces  can  be  felt. 
Manipulation  of  the  parts  is  painful. 


CHAPTEK  XV. 


LAMENESS  IN  THE  REGION  OF  THE  TIBIA. 


1.— Fracture  and  Fissure  of  the  Tibia. 

History. — Lameness  following  external  violence,  falls, 
slipping  and  struggling  while  cast,  with  inability  to  rise. 

FISSURE  OF  THE  TIBIA. 

Inspection. — When  the  bone  is  only  fissured,  there  is  severe 
supporting  and  swinging  leg  lameness. 

Palpation. — Splitting  of  the  bone  usually  shows  a  tract 
of  increased  sensibility,  running  in  a  certain  direction,  on 
the  inner  face  of  the  tibia,  provided  that  the  fissure  is  on 
that  part ;  if  on  any  other  portion  of  the  tibia,  this  tract  of 
increased  sensibility  cannot  be  detected,  as  the  heavy  layers 
of  muscles  interfere  with  palpation.  But  any  severe 
lameness,  immediately  following  some  external  violence 
exerted  upon  the  internal  face  of  the  tibia,  with  an  absence 
of  marked  periostitis, — that  is,  excessive  pain  upon 
palpation, — suggests  fissuring  of  the  tibia. 

FRACTURE   OF  THE   TIBIA. 

Inspection. — The  tottering,  dangling  appearance  of  the 
leg,  the  inability  to  sustain  any  weight,  the  wabbling  of  the 
leg  as  the  foot  is  raised,  and  possibly  traces  of  external 
violence  and  wounds  (the  result  of  penetrating  bony 
splinters),  characterize  it. 

Palpation. — Crepitation,  as  well  as  abnormal  mobility,  can 
always  be  detected.  Soon  after  the  occurrence  of  the  fracture 
more  or  less  hot  and  painful  swelling  sets  in. 


LAMENESS  IN  THE  REGION  OF  THE  TIBIA. 


107 


2. — Rupture  of  the  Flexor  Metatarsi  Muscle. 

Historij. — Lameness  following  collisions,  kicking  violently 
and  struggling  while  cast,  with  inability  to  rise. 

Inspection. —  Swinging-leg  lameness,  with  abnormal  flexion 
of  the   stifle   and   excessive   extension   of   the   hock   joint. 


Fig.  19. 
Rupture  of  flexor  metatarsi  muscle.     From  a  photograph. 

During  the  forward  stride  the  hock  and  parts  below  it  are 
not  advanced  in  the  usual  manner,  but  remain  behind,  the 
stifle  joint  at  that  moment  being  exceedingly  flexed.  The 
thigh  totters  and  the  two  hocks  sometimes  beat  against  each 
other,  simulating  a  fracture  of  the  tibia ;  yet  any  doubts  in 
that  direction  can  at  once  be  banished,  since  weight  is 
supported  by  the  lame  leg  in  rupture  of  the  flexor  metatarsi, 
but  not  in  case  of  fracture.  "When  this  muscle  is  ruptured 
the  teudo-Achilles  is  perfectly  slack. 


108  lAMENESS   IN   THE   HOESE. 

Palpation. — Sometimes  a  slight  tumefaction  can  "be 
detected  about  the  anterior  surface  of  the  lower  thigh. 
Passive  movement  of  the  leg  permits  of  abnormal  extension 
of  the  hock  joint,  and  the  tendo- Achilles  is  visibly  relaxed. 

Differential  Diagnosis. — Fracture  of  the  tibia  and  rupture 
of  the  tendo-Achilles  offer  similar  symptoms.  The  former 
is  easily  differentiated  from  rupture  of  the  flexor  metatarsi. 
In  fracture  of  the  tibia,  severe  supporting-leg  lameness, — 
that  is,  total  inability  to  sustain  weight, — is  met  with,  which 
is  not  the  case  in  rupture  of  the  flexor  metatarsi.  (See 
page  106.)  Eupture  of  the  tendo-Achilles  shows  marked 
supporting-leg  lameness ;  rupture  of  the  flexor  metatarsi 
swinging-leg  lameness.     (See  page  108.) 

3.— Rupture  of  the  Tendo-Achilles. 

History. — Lameness  following  falls,  slips,  etc. 

Inspection.  —  Severe  supporting  -  leg  lameness,  with 
inability  to  sustain  weight  and  flexion  of  all  joints.  Unless 
swelling  along  the  gastrocnemii  is  too  prominent,  the  flabby 
condition  of  the  tendo-Achilles  is  apparent. 

Palpation. — As  a  rule  a  gap  can  be  detected  along  the 
tendon.  Passive  movement  of  the  hock  joint  allows  of 
excessive  flexion. 


CHAPTER  XVI. 


LAMENESS  IN  THE  REGION  OF  THE 
HOCK  JOINT. 


1.— Spavin. 

History. — Lameness  comes  on  gradually.  In  the 
beginning  the  animal  goes  lame  only  when  just  starting  out, 
soon  driving  out  of  the  lameness,  as  a  rule. 

Inspection. — The  nature  of  the  lameness  is  by  no  means 
characteristic,  in  spite  of  the  general  opinion  to  the  contrary. 
A  spavin  can  only  be  positively  diagnosed  when  an  exostosis 
is  evident.  At  the  same  time  it  cannot  be  denied  that  the 
nature  of  the  lameness  and  certain  attitudes  of  the  lame  leg 
are  valuable  guides  in  the  diagnosis  of  spavin.  When 
standing,  the  lame  leg  is  apt  to  be  carried  forward  and 
inward,  its  heel  resting  upon  the  wall  of  the  opposite  hoof. 
The  animal  exhibits  unwillingness  to  move  from  one  side  to 
the  other,  and  when  compelled,  especially  towards  the 
sound  side,  it  does  so  with  a  decided  hop.  Spavin  lameness, 
particularly  in  the  first  stages,  is  best  seen  during  the  first 
few  steps  the  animal  takes,  when  stepping  over  from  the 
lame  side  to  the  sound  one  and  when  turning  suddenly. 
The  lame  leg  at  that  moment  shows  a  jerky  movement, 
similar  to  stringhalt,  which  loses  itself  after  a  little  work. 
But  in  cases  of  some  standing  the  animal  rarely  drives 
entirely  out  of  the  lameness  ;  on  the  contrary,  work  is  liable 

109 


110  LAMENESS   IN   THE   HORSE. 

to  increase  it.  As  a  rule,  lameness  is  present  both  when  the 
leg  is  carried  forward  and  when  supporting  weight.  The 
leg  is  not  properly  extended,  the  posterior  half  of  the 
supporting  leg  is  cut  short,  especially  when  anchylosis  is 
present.  It  is  quickly  carried  forward  with  a  jerk  and  a 
conspicuous  movement  of  the  hip  joint,  there  is  more  or  less 
a  tendency  to  knuckle  over  at  the  fetlock  and  to  walking  on 
the    toe,    which    is    usually  excessively  worn.     Generally, 


Spavin 


Fig.  20. 
Spavined  Hock. 

lameness  and  the  bony  tumor  appear  together,  yet  either 
one  can  be  evident  before  the  other  one.  The  term  "  coarse 
hock,"  so  often  employed  to  describe  a  want  of  symmetry  of 
the  hock  joint,  shows  that  the  mere  fact  of  one  joint  being 
of  a  different  conformation  from  the  other  one,  does  not 
entitle  to  diagnosis  of  spavin.  For  this  reason  any  visible 
difference  in  the  two  hock  joints  indicates  either  disease  at 
that  moment,  or  at  a  previous  time. 


LAMENESS   IN   THE   REGION  OF  THE   HOCK  JOINT.  Ill 

The  principles  involved  in  diagnosing  spavin  lameness, 
are : 

1.  The  presence  of  any  exostosis,  particularly  about  the 
antero-internal  part  of  the  hock  joint. 

2.  The  peculiar  lameness  described  above. 

3.  Certain  pathological  conditions,  due  to  lameness  of 
some  standing,  as  atrophied  muscles. 

Palpation. — Heat  aud  pain  on  pressure  upon  the  supposed 
seat  of  the  spavin,  unless  the  result  of  external  violence,  are 
not  of  much  importance  in  the  diagnosis  of  spavin.  The 
enlargement  is  of  bony  hardness.  In  some  cases,  which  are 
a  little  doubtful,  the  so-called  spavin  test  can  be  employed 
to  intensify  lameness.  Yet  it  must  be  remembered  that  this 
test  is  not  infallible,  and  a  good  deal  of  judgment  is  required 
to  interpret  the  result  correctly.  Old  horsfes,  which  are 
merely  stiff,  often  go  lame  after  the  test.  The  same  refers 
to  cases  of  hip  lameness,  which  also  increases  after  the  test, 
as  the  writer  has  frequently  observed.  The  test  consists  in 
raising  the  leg  and  keeping  it  flexed  for  about  one  minute; 
if  the  animal  is  then  trotted,  lameness  usually  is  more 
pronounced  than  originally. 

Differential  Diagnosis. — 1.  Curb.  This  does  not  usually 
cause  much  lameness  unless  accompanied  by  a  spavin. 
(See  page  115.; 

2.  Inflammation  of  the  flexor  pedis  tendon.  Careful 
palpation  will  discern  it  from  spavin. 

3.  Chronic  inflammation  of  the  stifle  joint.  In  this 
affection  the  leg  is  kept  flexed,  when  trotting  there  is  no 
jerk,  and  the  whole  leg  is  carried  forward  stiffly. 

4.  Hip  lameness.  As  a  rule  the  lameness  is  only  seen 
while  the  leg  is  swung  forward,  and  the  animal  often  trots 
obliquely,  like  a  dog.     Lnmeuess  the  result  of  spavin  is  seen 


112  LAMENESS   IN   THE    HOUSE. 

both  wuen  the  leg  is  carried  forward  and  wheu  supporting 
weight.  At  the  same  time  the  animal  is  not  liable  to  drive 
out  of  the  lameness,  as  it  frequently  does  in  spavin.  (See 
page  87.) 

5.  Hoof  lameness.  Careful  examination  of  the  hoof 
settles  the  question.     (See  page  14.) 

6.  Ringbone.  Ringbone  lameness  may  be  quite  difficult 
to  distinguish  from  spavin  lameness,  but  the  fact  that 
ringbones  are  less  frequent  iu  the  hind  leg,  together  with 
careful  palpation  of  the  parts,  will  help  to  establish  a 
correct   diagnosis.     (See  page  70.) 

7.  Sprain  of  the  coronet  joint.  Here  rotation  of  that 
joint  causes  pain ;  the  history  and  the  local  examination 
will  usually  determine  the  nature  of  the  case.     (See  page      .) 

8.  Stringhalt.  In  stringhalt,  the  animal  seldom  walks 
upon  the  toe,  as  it  usually  does  in  spavin.  In  spavin,  when 
turning  or  stepping  from  one  side  to  the  other,  the  animal 
steps  lightly  upon  the  toe,  and  for  about  one-third  of  the 
stride  the  toe  is  almost  dragged  over  the  ground ;  whereas 
in  stringhalt  the  leg  is  jerked  up  and  the  foot  is  put  down 
-firmly.  In  spavin  the  leg  is  usually  dragged  when  first 
starting,  while  in  stringhalt  the  action  is  spasmodic  from 
the  very  beginning. 

2.— Acute  Inflammation  of  the  Hock  Joint. 

History. — Lameness  following  external  violence,  and 
wounds  penetrating  the  joint. 

Inspection. — Severe  supporting  and  swinging  leg  lameness 
are  noticed  from  the  very  outset  on.  Since  it  is  inostly  a 
consequence  of  a  wound  about  the  tarsus,  severe  swelling, 
with  a  tendency  to  spread  above  and  below  the  hock,  and 
and  perhaps  discharge  of  synovia,  is  apparent. 


jLameness  in  the  eegion  of  the  hock  joint.         113 

Palpation. — The  swelling  about  the  hock,  which  in  the 
earlier  stages  is  of  a  doughy  nature,  is  hot  and  painful  upon 
pressure. 

Differential  Diagnoses. — 1.  Subfacial  cellulitis.  lu  cases 
where  wounds  penetrate  the  joint,  fever,  swelling  and 
abscess-formation  follow ;  the  differentiation  between  this 
trouble  and  inflammation  of  the  hock  joint  is  at  times 
impossible,  and  some  time  has  to  pass  before  the  exact 
diagnosis  can  be  arrived  at.  In  either  affection  there  is 
severe  mixed  lameness,  with  swelling  about  the  hock  and  of 
the  regional  lymph  glands,  also  deep-seated  abscesses.  If 
the  opening  of  the  abscess  is  followed  by  lessened  lameness, 
it  is  reasonable  to  presume  that  the  hock  joint  is  not 
punctured. 

2.  Fracture  of  the  bones  of  the  tarsus.  Differentiation 
is  rather  difficult  unless  crepitation  is  present,  which,  of 
course,  would  point  to  a  fracture. 

3.— Fracture  of  the  Bones  of  the  Hock. 

History. — Severe  sudden  lameness  following  slipping, 
falling,  external  violence  and  struggling  when  cast,  with 
inability  to  rise. 

FRACTUEE   OF  THE   OS   CALCIS. 

Inspection. — Severe  supporting-leg  lameness,  with  exces- 
sive flexion  of  the  hock  joint  especially,  as  well  as  the  other 
joints,  and  collapse  of  the  entire  leg  when  an  attempt  is 
made  to  sustain  weight.  In  compound  fracture  the  wound 
and  bony  splinters  may  be  seen.  When  the  animal  walks, 
the  slackness  of  the  tendo-Achilles  is  readily  perceived, 
while  all  that  portion  of  the  leg  below  the  hock  is  dragged 
over  the  ground. 


114  LAMENESS   IN  THE   HORSE. 

Palpation. — Crepitation  can  usually  be  detected  on  careful 
palpation,  and  the  torn-off  piece  of  the  bone  is  frequently 
felt  on  the  end  of  the  tendon  of  the  gastrocuemii.  There  is 
always  marked  pain  on  manipulating  the  injured  parts. 

Dlferential  Diagnosis. — Rupture  of  the  tendo-Achilles 
oflfers  allied  symptoms.  The  main  point  of  difference  lies 
in  the  fact  that,  on  palpation,  crepitation  aud  decided  pain 
are  brought  out  in  the  fracture,  and  a  piece  of  the  os  calcis 
can  usually  be  felt  on  the  end  of  the  tendon  of  the  gastroc- 
nemii. 

FBACTURE  OF  THE  ASTRAGULUS. 

Inspection. — Severe  lameness,  followed  by  swelling  about 
the  astragulo-tibial  joint. 

Palpation. — The  soft  and  yielding  swelling  is  very  painful. 
Excessive  mobility,  particularly  abduction  and  adduction, 
as  well  as  rotation,  may  be  present.  When  the  hock  joint 
is  encircled  by  the  hands  and  the  phalanges  moved  to  and 
fro,  crepitation  can  occasionally  be  felt. 

Differential  Diagnosis. — Sprain  of  the  hock  joint.  The 
fact  that  this  is  very  rare,  the  subsequent  improvement,  the 
absence  of  crepitation  and  abnormal  mobility,  diff'erentiate 
it  from  fracture  of  the  astragulus. 

SUBFACIAL   CELLULITIS. 

The  history,  aud  the  traces  of  a  recent  injury,  as  stabs 
with  a  manure  fork,  etc.;  the  presence  of  swelling  of  the 
regional  lymph  glands  will  exclude  errors. 

FRACTURE  OF  OTHER  BONES  OF  THE  TARSUS. 

This  is  somewhat  rare.  The  abnormal  mobility,  chiefly 
abduction  and  adduction,  the  very  perceptible  crepitation, 
the  inability  to  support  weight,  and  the  pain  on  manipula- 
tion of  the  injured  region,  will  at  once  establish  the  diagnosis 


LAMENESS   IN   THE    REGION   OF   THE    HOCK   JOINT.  115 

of  fracture  of  a  hock  boue,  even  though  the  exact  location 
of  the  fracture  can  only  be  surmised. 

4.  —Curb. 

History. — Lameness  following  heavy  work  in  young 
animals,  jumping,  rearing,  and  stopping  suddenly  while 
going  swiftly. 


Inspection. — A  gradually  developed  curb  hardly  ever 
creates  lameness.  Should  lameness  be  present,  it  is  due 
either  to  a  severe  sprain  of  the  calcaneo-cuboid  ligament, 
the  reinforcing  ligament  of  the  perforans  tendon,  or  spavin. 
When  inflammation  of  the  above-named  ligaments  is  present, 
supporting-leg  lameness  of  varying  intensity,  with  abnormal 
fl<^xiou  of    the  metacarpo-phalangeal    articulation,  will  be 


IIG  LAMENESS   IN   THE   HORSE. 

observed.  To  locate  a  curb,  the  hock  is  viewed  from  the 
side.  lustead  of  a  straight  line  from  the  point  of  the  os 
calcis  to  the  fetlock,  a  convex  downward  swelling,  three  to 
four  inches  below  the  point  of  the  os  calcis,  is  seen. 

Differential  Diagnosis. — Abnormal  thickness  of  the  skin 
in  that  direction  may  lead  to  errors ;  but  here  the  skin  is 
movable,  while  in  curb  the  swelling  is  stationary.  Enlarge- 
ment of  the  reinforcing  ligament  of  the  perforans  tendon 
generally  extends  further  down  the  tendon,  thus  differing 
from  curb.  The  so-called  bony  curb  is  really  a  spavin, 
situated  in  that  region,  almost  invariably  accompanied  by 
exostoses  on  the  inner  surface  of  the  hock  joint. 

6.— liuxation  of  the  Flexor  Pedis  Perforatus  Tendon. 

History. — Sudden  lameness  when  pulling  a  heavy  load, 
and  external  violence. 

Inspection. — In  the  standing  posture  the  phalanges  show 
abnormal  dorsal  flexion,  but  the  hock  joint  is  extended. 
The  slight  lameness  and  tottering,  unsteady  gait  are  strik- 
ing. Whenever  an  attempt  is  made  to  extend  the  hock,  it 
will  be  seen  that  the  perforatus  tendon  slips  off  the  point 
of  the  OS  calcis,  usually  gliding  back  into  its  place  as  soon 
as  the  leg  is  flexed.  Swelling  of  that  region  and  lameness  are 
pronounced,  especially  when  the  luxation  is  the  result  of  an 
external  injury,  such  as  a  kick. 

Palpation. — Unless  swelling,  which  is  hot  and  painful,  is 
severe,  the  perforatus  tendon  can  be  felt  in  its  abnormal 
position. 


CHAPTER  XVII. 


LAMENESS   IN   THE   REGION    OF    THE 
METATARSUS. 


1.— Chronic  Thickening   of  the   Sesamoidal  Sheath. 

Inspection. — lu  this  condition  the  flexor  tendons  are  often 
diseased.  Lameness  is  most  evident  when  -vreight  is  sup- 
ported by  the  lame  leg,  and  has  a  tendency  to  increase  after 
exposure  to  hard  work.     The  fetlock  is  upright. 

Palpation. — The  swelling  is  immovable  and  firm.  Pres- 
sure upon  it  excites  pain.  The  thickening  can  be  so  great 
that  the  flexor  tendons  are  not  felt  through  it. 

2.— Acute  Septic  Inflammation  of  the  Flexor  Tendon 
Sheath. 

Inspection. — More  or  less  diffuse  swelling  in  that  region 
(sesamoids) ;  wounds  discharging  pus  may  be  seen.  Of 
diagnostic  value  is  the  peculiar  position  in  which  the 
animal  holds  the  suffering  leg,  viz.:  the  lame  leg  is  similarly 
flexed  as  in  inflammation  of  the  stifle  joint,  but  the  elevation 
of  the  foot  is  more  pronounced,  and  the  toe  of  the  flexed  leg 
is  advanced  towards  the  corresponding  fore-leg  as  much  as 
possible. 

Palpation. — The  swelling,  which  is  hot  and  painful,  may 
be  of  a  doughy  or  firm  nature. 


118 


LAMENESS   IN   THE   HORSE. 


3.— Stringhalt. 

Inspection. — In  the  standing  posture  nothing  abnormal 
is  observed  ;  but  when  walking,  the  leg  at  the  beginning  of 
the  forward  stride  is  raised  with  a  jerk  abnormally  high, 
and  quickly  brought  to  the  ground,  which  it  strikes  rather 


Fig.  22. 

Position  of  the  limb,  in  infectious  inflammation  of  the  flexor  pedis 

perforatus  sheath  in  the  fetlock  region.     (From  a  photograph.) 

hard.  As  a  rule,  this  spasmodic  action  is  most  visible  while 
trotting ;  in  bad  cases  also  in  walking,  continuing  during 
work.  In  rare  instances  it  disappears  with  work,  to  return 
when  resting.  Some  animals  only  show  the  jerky  action 
when  turned  in  a  narrow  circle  or  forced  to  step  over  frpia 
one  side  to  the  other. 

Differential  Diagnosis. — (See  page  112.) 


LAMENESS  IN  THE  REGION  OF  THE  METATARSUS.  119 

4.— Lameness  Resulting  from   Interfering   and  Its 
Complications , 

Inspection.  — It  is  more  frequently  met  with  in  the  hind 
legs ;  usually  the  inner  face  of  the  fetlock  or  coronet  are 
struck ;  but  in  the  fore-legs  the  inner  region,  just  below  the 
knee  joint,  the  metacarpus  and  fetlock  are  most  liable  to 
injury.  Lameness  is  either  severe  or  slight,  and  sometimes 
only  momentary.  In  simple  abrasions  of  the  skin,  little,  if 
any,  swelling  or  lameness  follows  the  injury ;  but  infection 
of  the  subcutis,  characterized  by  diffuse  swelling  and  later 
abscess-formation,  produces  considerable  lameness,  often 
so  severe  that  no  weight  is  borne  by  the  diseased  leg.  When 
the  sesamoidal  tendon  sheath  is  involved,  the  leg  is  held  in 
a  diagnostic  position.     (See  page  118.) 

Palpation. — The  swelling  is  hot,  painful,  of  doughy  or 
firm  consistency ;  when  the  sesamoidal  sheath  is  infected, 
passive  dorsal  flexion  produces  intense  pain. 


CHAPTER  XVin. 


LAMENESS  FOLLOWING  FRACTURE  OF  THE 
VERTEBRA. 


History. — Falling  over  backwards,  starting  and  stopping 
an  animal  suddenly,  violent  struggling  when  cast  and  unable 
to  rise,  and  also  jumping. 

Fracture  of  the  Body  of  the  Vertebrae. 

Inspection. — The  animal  lies  upon  the  ground  stretched 
out,  or  sits  upon  his  haunches  like  a  dog,  able  to  move  the 
fore-legs,  but  the  hind-legs  are  paralyzed.  Sometimes  the 
vertebra  is  only  fissured ;  in  these  cases  the  animal  can  still 
walk,  the  back  is  arched  and  held  stiffly,  and  in  a  few  days 
paraplegia  sets  in.  Then  again  the  vertebrae  may  be 
fractured,  yet  the  animal  stands ;  in  these  cases  the  sciatic 
nerve,  but  not  the  crural  nerve,  is  involved ;  walking  is 
impossible.  Such  symptoms  are  due  to  a  fracture  some- 
where behind  the  fourth  to  the  sixth  lumbar  vertebrae. 

Palpation. — Deformity  and  crepitation  are  rarely  de- 
tected ;  pressure  upon  the  supposed  seat  of  the  fracture  may 
give  rise  to  pain.  Insensibility  of  the  hind-quarters,  sharply 
defined,  is  noticeable,  the  animal  not  ofi'ering  any  resistance 
when  pricked  with  a  needle,  etc.  Under  such  conditions 
the  fracture  is  in  the  lumbar  region,  or  behind  it;  but  in 
fracture  of  the  dorsal  vertebra,  or  anterior  to  it,  reflex 
irritability  is  present,  and  may  even  be  exaggerated,  as  by 
pricking  the  paralyzed  muscles  active  clonic  and  even  tonic 


LAMENESS  FOLLOWING  FRACTURE  OF  THE  VERTEBRA.   121 

coniractions  are  excited.  Here,  as  in  a  good  many  other 
affections,  it  is  of  importance,  in  order  to  form  a  correct 
diagnosis,  to  differentiate  between  actual  pain,  resulting 
from  the  examination,  and  mere  nervousness  of  the  animal, 
which  in  these  cases  is  particularly  difficult. 

Differential  Diagnosis. — 1.  Haemoglobinsemia.  Differs 
from  the  above  in  the  history,  the  appearance  of  the  urine 
often  being  of  a  coffee  color,  or  haemoglobin  or  albumin  may 
be  found  on  chemical  analysis.  In  haemoglobinsemia  the 
muscles  of  the  croup  are  also  hard,  while  paralyzed  muscles 
are  soft  and  flabby. 

2.  Thrombosis  of  the  posterior  Aorta.  The  history  of 
the  case  or  rectal  examination  will  be  decisive.  (See  page 
95.) 


CHAPTER   XIX 


LAMENESS  RESULTING  FROM  FRACTURE  Ol 
THE  PELVIS. 


History. — Sudden  lameness  following  unexpected  turning 
of  the  horse,  falls,  jumping,  slipping  and  collisions. 

1. — Fracture  of  the  External  Angle  of  the  Ilium. 

Inspection. — Lameness  (swinging-leg  lameness)  is  hardly 
ever  wanting,  and  the  thigh  is  adducted.  Standing  on  level 
ground  the  animal  is  able  to  bear  an  equal  amount  of 
weight  upon  both  legs.  A  bruise  may  be  seen  about  that 
region  in  recent  cases,  swelling  appearing  later.  The  angu- 
lar shape  of  the  tuberosity  is  changed  into  a  rounded  one, 
best  seen  by  comparing  both  sides  from  above,  th.^  affected 
being  the  narrower. 

Palpation. — There  is  no  crepitation,  but  pain  on  pressure 
over  the  fracture. 

2.— Fracture  of  the  Shaft  of  the  Ilium. 

Inspection. — Swinging-leg  lameness.  The  affected  croup 
is  lower  than  the  other  (the  sound  one)  ;  especially  the  exter- 
nal angle  of  the  ilium  of  the  fractured  side  appears  sunken. 
This  is  seen  by  putting  both  hind  legs  into  the  same  position, 
if  possible,  and  comparing  the  gluteal  regions,  either  by 
standing  a  little  behind  the  animal  or  by  looking  at  them 
from  above. 

Palpation. — Occasionally  pressure  upon  the  external 
angle  of  the  ilium  excites  mobility  and  crepitation,  but  this 


RESULTING  FKCM  FRACTURE  OF  THE  PELVIS. 


123 


fraccare  is  most  satisfactorily  diagnosed  by  rectal  examiua- 
tion.  The  liand,  in  the  rectum,  easily  detects  abnormal 
mobility,  crepitation  and  possibly  swelling  along  the  shaft 
of  the  ilinm,  either  by  walking  the  horse  or  by  moving  the 
leg  otherwise.  (See  fig.  23.) 
2 


Fig.  23.— Schema  illustrating  fractures  of  the  pelvis  iu  the  horse. 
(1)  Fracture  of  external  iliac  angle  ;  (2)  internal  iliac  angle  ;  (3)  shaft  of 
the  ilium  ;  (4)  transverse  portion  of  the  os  pubis ;   (4a)  external 
portion  of  the  ischium  ;  (5)  cotyloid  cavity  ;  (6)  tuber  ischii ;  (7) 
symphysis  pubis. 

3.— Fracture  Through  the  Obturator  Foramen. 

Inspection. — Supporting-leg  lameness.  Usually  no  exter- 
nal deformity,  but  now  and  then  one  sees  an  oedematous 
swelling  about  the  scrotum,  udder,  or  belly,  together  with 
symptoms  of  internal  hemorrhage,  as  blanched  visible 
mucous  membranes,  hurried  breathing,  etc. 

Palpation. — Rectal  examination  gives  positive  results  as 
to  crepitation  and  location  of  the  fracture.     (See  fig.  23.) 


124  LAMENESS  IN  THE   HORSE. 

4— Fracture  of  the  Os  Pubis. 

Inspection. — Tendeucy  to  adduct  tlie  leg,  with  marked 
supporting-leg  lameness.  Backing  and  stepping  sideways 
apparently  cause  great  pain.  Occasionally  there  is  a  swell- 
ing under  the  belly,  and  possibly  bleeding  from  the  vagina 
in  mares,  if  a  bony  splinter  perforated  the  vagina. 

Palpation. — Abduction  of  the  leg  produces  pain.  Rectal 
examination  will  settle  all  doubts.  Crepitation  is  slight  or 
pronounced.     (See  fig.  23.) 

5. — Frature  in  the  Cotyloid  Cavity. 

Inspedion. — Severe  mixed  lameness.  At  the  slightest 
disturbance  the  animal  groans  with  pain.  When  the  liga- 
mentum  teres  is  torn  an  uncertain  stumbling  gait  is  noticed, 
the  leg  being  adducted  in  one  step  and  abducted  in  the 
other  one ;  the  horse  is  liable  to  fall.  Now  and  then  a  slight 
depression  over  the  region  of  the  hip  is  discernable. 

Palpation. — Crepitation  can  be  felt  by  resting  the  hand 
almost  anywhere  about  the  gluteal  region,  but  is  usually 
most  perceptible  on  the  external  angle  of  the  ilium.  Ab- 
duction and  adduction  are  abnormally  free  if  the  ligamentum 
teres  is  torn.     (See  fig.  23.) 

6.— Fracture  of  the  Tuberosity  of  the  Ischium. 

Inspection. — Lameness  when  the  leg  is  carried  forward 
(swinging-leg  lameness);  perhaps  the  thigh  is  abducted.  In 
recent  cases,  where  swelling  of  the  surrounding  muscles 
has  not  yet  taken  place,  the  fractured  buttock  seems  broader 
and  does  not  extend  as  far  back  as  the  other  one.  The  first 
deformity  is  best  seen  by  standing  at  the  back  of  the  animal, 
while  the  latter  is  most  noticeable  by  standing  at  a  right 
angle  from  the  animal's  haunch.     A  lameness  sometimes 


RESULTING  FROM  FRACTURE  OF  THE  PELVIS.      125 

remains  after  the  fracture  has  healed,  which  resembles 
partial  lumbar  paralysis,  but  is  differentiated  from  it  by  the 
deformed  condition  of  the  buttock.  The  animal  in  either 
case  is  affected  with  an  unsteady,  wabbling  gait  behind,  the 
toes  of  the  feet  being  excessively  worn. 

Palpation. — Swelling  of  the  muscles  of  that  region,  some- 
times of  the  vagina,  and  even  of  the  rectum.  There  is  more 
or  less  crepitation,  best  detected  by  resting  one  hand  upon 
the  external  angle  of  the  ilium  and  the  other  upon  the 
region  of  the  ischial  tuberosity,  and  pushing  these  parts 
toward  the  other  side,  thus  weighting  first  the  one  and  then 
the  other  leg.     (See  fig.  23.) 

7. — Fracture  of  the  External  Branch  of  the 
Ischium. 

Lameness  slight  or  even  absent,  with  usually  pronounced 
crepitation.  The  region  of  the  hip  joint  bulges  out  visibly, 
the  ilium  seems  lowered,  and  the  region  of  the  ischial 
tuberosity  appears  fattened.  If  the  above-named  and 
described  conditions  are  present,  the  diagnosis  of  fracture 
of  the  pelvis  can  safely  be  made,  provided  fracture  of  the 
femur  is  excluded.     (See  fig.  23.) 


CHAPTER  XX. 


HOOF  LAMENESS. 


Anatomo -Physiological  Review. 

The  hoof  consists  of  the  horny  box  and  its  contents. 
The  horny  box  shows  three  portions.  The  wall  is  all  that 
part  of  the  horny  box  Avhich  is  seen  when  the  foot  rests 
upon  the  ground.  The  anterior  middle  region  of  this  crust 
is  designated  the  toe,  its  two  sides  the  outside  and  inside 
toe  respectively ;  the  lateral  regions  constitute  the  quarters. 
The  heels  are  formed  by  the  angles  of  infle(5tion  of  the 
extremities  of  the  wall;  these  extremities  pass  along  the 
inner  border  of  the  sole  and  are  called  bars.  The  inner 
face  of  the  wall  shows  white  leaves,  which  dovetail  with  the 
laminae  of  the  podophyllous  membrane. 

The  sole  is  a  thick,  horny  plate,  occupying  the  inferior 
face  of  the  hoof.  It  is  united  to  the  inferior  border  of  the 
wall,  forming  with  it  the  white  line.  Its  internal  border 
shows  a  deep  V  notch  corresponding  to  the  bars,  also  lodging 
the  frog.  The  frog  is  an  elastic  horny  pad  between  the 
two  re-entering  portions  of  the  wall.  Its  external  surface 
shows  a  shallow  excavation  in  the  centre,  known  as  the 
middle  lacuna,  separating  the  two  branches  of  the  frog 
which  Join  the  heels.  Laterally  the  frog  is  attached  to  the 
sole  and  bars. 

In  the  interior  of  the  horny  box  are  located,  besides 
the  blood  vessels,  lymph  vessels  and  nerves,  the  os  pedis, 


HOOF  LAMENESS.  127 

with  the  navicular  bone,  the  inferior  extremity  of  the  os 
corona,  ligaments  uniting  the  pedal  articulation,  the  tendon 
of  the  extensor  pedis  and  of  the  perforans ;  the  former  in 
front  of  the  pedal  articulation,  the  latter  supporting  it  from 
behind. 

The  fibro-cartilages,  one  on  each  side  of  the  os  pedis,  are 
united  posteriorly  and  below  to  the  plantar  cushion,  a 
fibrous  elastic  wedge-shaped  mass,  on  which  the  navicular 
bone  rests  by  means  of  the  perforans  tendon. 

The  keratogenous  apparatus  covers  the  parts  just  men- 
tioned like  a  stocking.  This  apparatus  is  a  continuation  of 
the  outer  skin  of  the  phalangeal  region.  It  shows  the 
coronary  cushion,  a  rounded  prominence  situated  at  the 
junction  of  the  hoof  and  skin,  and  is  covered  with  little 
prolongations  known  as  papillae. 

The  coronary  cushion  is  the  matrix  of  the  wall.  The 
podophyllous  tissue,  or  sensitive  laminae,  line  the  anterior 
face  of  the  os  pedis.  These  are  very  vascular  parallel 
leaves,  separated  from  each  other  by  deep  channels,  into 
which  the  horny  leaves  of  the  inner  face  of  the  wall  are 
dovetailed.    (Chauveau.) 

The  diagnosis  of  the  seat  of  the  pain,  viz.,  lameness  in 
the  hoof,  requires  primarily  a  knowledge  of  the  physical 
properties  of  the  hoof  and  anato mo-physiological  peculiari- 
ties of  the  keratogenous  membrane. 

The  diagnosis  of  the  seat  of  lameness  only  too  often  is 
difficult,  since  the  horny  box,  enveloping  the  sensitive  soft 
parts,  is  opaque  and  unyielding.  A  happy  circumstance, — 
at  least  from  a  clinical  standpoint, — is  encountered  with, 
namely,  disease  of  the  podophyllous  membrane,  is  always 
painful,  therefore  producing  lameness. 

The    soft    parts    within    the   hoof,   lying  between    the 


128  LAMENESS   IN  THE   HORSE. 

uuyielding  horny  box  and  the  os  pedis,  are  very  apt  to  be 
pressed  upon  even  when  but  slight  changes  in  the  crust 
occnr.  As  a  consequence  of  such  pressure,  pain  results  and 
the  animal  goes  lame.  Nevertheless  this  horny  box  is  a 
powerful  protection  to  the  parts  enclosed  by  it,  effectually 
resisting  a  great  many  destructive  agents.  Sbould  separa- 
tion of  any  part  of  the  horny  box  occur,  thus  establishing 
a  direct  communication  between  the  soft  parts  contained  in 
it  and  the  external  world,  a  favorable  condition  for  the 
entrance  of  septic  material  is  created,  and  inflammation  is 
likely  to  follow. 

Inflammation  of  the  podophyllous  membrane  can  be 
septic,  asceptic,  acute  or  chronic,  and  the  latter  superficial 
and  deep,  also  designated  parenchymatous.  To  appreciate 
inflammation  of  this  membrane,  especially  its  seat  and 
extent,  means  to  be  familiar  with  its  structural  arrange- 
ment. Unless  the  one  examining  a  horse  for  hoof  lameness 
is  thus  acquainted  with  it,  his  diagnosis,  as  to  the  seat  of 
the  lameness,  is  only  guess  work. 

The  podophyllous  membrane  is  related  in  its  make-up  to 
the  skin.  It  shows  a  strongly  developed  rete  malphigii, 
which  covers  the  cutis  proper.  The  papillary  body  of  the 
cutis  is  exceedingly  prominent.  The  sole,  frog,  and  especi- 
ally the  coronary  cushion,  are  closely  studded  with  large 
papillae.  In  the  region  corresponding  to  the  wall  of  the 
hoof,  an  enormous  development  of  the  papillary  body  is 
met  with  in  the  shape  of  the  primary  and  secondary  laminae, 
protected  by  a  strong  rete  malphigii.  Next  to  the  papillary 
body  and  below  it  is  the  vascular  layer,  composed  of  many 
vessels  imbedded  in  a  loose  connective  tissue.  The  deepest 
layer  ensheathes  the  os  pedis,  representing  the  periosteum. 
The  subcutis,  the  basis  for  all  these  layers,  is  irregularly 


HOOF  LAMENESS.  129 

distributed.  It  is  only  found  underneath  the  coronary 
cushion,  sensitive  laminae  of  wall  and  sole  (excepting  over 
the  OS  pedis),  fibro-cartilages,  tendon  of  the  extensor  pedis, 
and  finally  in  the  shape  of  the  plantar  cushion. 

Superficial  inflammation  of  the  podophyllous  membrane 
involves  the  rete  malphigii  and  the  upper  region  of  the 
papillary  body.  Parenchymatous  inflammation  of  this 
structure  attacks  the  deeper  layers,  especially  the  vascular 
layer,  the  papillary  body,  and  frequently  extends  to  the  rete 
malphigii  and  subcutis. 


CHAPTER  XXL 


DIAGNOSIS  OF  HOOF  LAMENESS 


The  nature  of  the  faulty  action  is  in  itself  not  character- 
istic of  hoof  lameness,  as  diseases  of  joints,  ligaments  and 
tendons  resemble  it  closely.  For  this  reason,  the  diagnosis 
of  hoof  lameness  is  necessarily  based  upon  the  results 
obtained  by  inspection  and,  above  all,  palpation,  with 
percussion  of  the  hammer  or  application  of  the  pincers. 
Wherever  possible  the  history  of  the  case  should  be  learned. 
Of  particular  interest  is  the  question,  "  When  was  the  horse 
shod  last,  and  what  treatment  did  the  hoof  receive  by  the 
farrier?"  A  correct  answer  to  this  may  save  disappoint- 
ment. Lame  horses  are  only  too  often  taken  to  the  black- 
smith to  be  treated  for  lameness.  Some  farriers  have  a  perfect 
mania  to  "  cut  out  corns,"  thus  frequently  laying  the  founda- 
tion for  inflammation  of  the  podophyllous  membrane.  That, 
under  such  conditions,  a  correct  diagnosis  as  to  the  seat  of 
the  lameness  is  sometimes  for  a  while  impossible,  is  clear. 
Inspection  of  the  hoof-lame  animal  shows  more  or  less 
supporting-leg  lameness,  intensified  as  a  rule  on  hard 
ground  or  by  going  down  hill.  Should  both  feet  be  attacked, 
the  gait  is  stiff  and  the  feet  are  kept  close  to  the  ground. 
In  the  standing  posture  the  animal  usually  points  with  the 
lame  leg  forward,  or  rests  the  foot  upon  the  toe.  Generally 
the  former  suggests  disease  of  the  anterior  half,  the  latter 
of  the  posterior  half  of  the  hoof.  When  both  feet  are 
affected  the  weight  is  alternately  sustained  by  one  and  then 


DIAGNOSIS   OF   HOOF  LAMENESS.  131 

by  the  other  leg.  Inspection  of  the  shape  and  condition  of 
the  horny  box  is  exceedingly  important,  since  the  physical 
nature  and  the  size  of  the  hoof  must  be  in  proportion  to 
the  weight  and  work  of  the  auimal.  Any  changes  of  the 
foundation  of  the  horse  interfering  with  its  duties  must 
create  suspicion,  and  palpation  is  a  necessity  in  deciding 
whether  the  present  change  is  directly  or  only  indirectly 
concerned  in  the  production  of  lameness. 

1.  Inspection  of  the  Flat  Hoof. — The  bearing  surface  of 
the  hoof  is  round  and  the  angle  of  the  wall  of  the  hoof  at 
the  toe  is  sometimes  as  little  as  30  to  40  degrees.  The  heels 
are  low  and  the  frog  usually  of  a  good  size  ;  the  sole  is 
extensive  and  flat.  Such  a  hoof  in  itself  does  not  cause 
lameness,  but  materially  predisposes  to  it,  as  bruised  sole, 
corns  and  interfering  are  common  sequelae. 

2.  The  Narrow  and  Upright  Hoof. — The  angle  of  the  wall 
of  the  hoof  at  the  toe  is  50  degrees  or  more,  the  walls  are 
upright,  the  shape  of  the  hoof  somewhat  oval,  and  the 
narrowest  portion  lying  between  the  quarters.  Unless  the 
above  conditions  are  not  exaggerated, — that  is,  contraction 
present, — no  lameness  is  apparent.  In  heavy  horses  one 
quite  often  finds  a  hoof  like  this.  Since  the  size  is  so  out 
of  proportion  to  the  demands  of  the  weight  of  the  body, 
lameness  follows  work  on  hard  ground  and  the  auimal 
becomes  "  pavement  sore  ";  this  painful  sensation  generally 
disappears  after  a  little  rest.  Sprain  of  the  lateral  liga- 
ments of  the  lower  joints  is  mostly  encountered  in  animals 
having  this  sort  of  a  hoof. 

3.  Crooked  Hoof. — In  this  kind  of  hoof,  the  wall,  instead 
of  running  in  a  straight  line  from  the  coronet  to  the  bearing 
surface,  deviates  perceptibly  from  its  normal  coiirsf-,  the 
wall  either  being  concave  or  convex.     Quite  frequently  one 


132  LAMENESS  IN  THE  HORSE. 

finds  one-half  of  the  wall  convex  and  the  other  half  concave. 
This  malformation  usually  occurs  in  the  developing  hoof, — 
that  is,  the  one  of  the  colt,— mainly  due  to  improper  or 
neglected  paring  and  faulty  shoeing.  If,  for  instance,  the 
outer  half  is  allowed  to  grow  too  long,  the  wall  of  the  inner 
half  in  due  time  becomes  convex,  the  outer  one  concave. 
Lameness  is  wanting,  but  may  set  in  at  any  moment,  follow- 
ing improper  shoeing  and  drying  of  the  horn.  The  dislocated 
wall  presses  upon  the  underlying  sensitive  parts,  and  pain, 
expressed  by  lameness,  quite  pronounced  on  hard  ground, 
is  the  consequence.  Animals  with  this  form  of  hoof  are 
subject  to  corns,  sandcracks,  loosening  of  the  sole  or  wall 
and  distortion  of  the  phalangeal  articulations. 

4.  The  Club  Foot. — This  sort  of  hoof,  natural  to  the  mule, 
shows  an  angle  of  60  degrees  or  over.  The  wall  at  the 
quarter  is  very  high,  occasionally  having  the  same  height  as 
at  the  toe.  The  frog  appears  too  small  for  the  size  of  the 
hoof,  and  the  sole  is  decidedly  concave.  While  this  hoof 
form  does  not  directly  cause  the  animal  to  go  lame,  it  pre- 
disposes it  to  sandcracks,  bruised  heels  and  disease  of  the 
flexor  tendons. 

Certain  deviations  in  the  physical  nature  of  the  horny 
box,  when  pronounced,  are  accompanied  by  lameness.  Thus 
the  hard,  brittle  and  dry  hoof  frequently  is  cracked,  especi- 
ally when  contracted.  This  hardness  is  not  confined  to 
the  horn  of  the  wall  alone,  but  that  of  the  coronary  region, 
frog  and  sole  also  participate.  The  horn  of  the  coronary 
region,  when  thus  diseased,  is  whitish  in  color,  full  of  little 
fissures  and  covered  with  scaly  fragments.  Horses  with 
such  a  hoof  frequently  show  lameness  on  hard  ground  when 
trotting,  their  movements  are  limited  and  the  entire  animal 
seems  stiff.     This  condition  is  often  wrongly  interpreted  as 


DIAGNOSIS   OF   HOOF  LAMENESS.  133 

rheumatism.  The  reverse  is  true  of  the  soft  hoof  with  its 
yielding  horn.  The  horn  has  a  constant  tendency  to  break, 
not  in  the  direction  of  the  horn  tubules,  as  in  the  dry,  hard 
hoof,  but  at  a  right  angle  to  them.  Disintegration  of  the 
horn  at  the  bearing  surface,  especially  when  shod  at  short 
intervals,  is  seen,  pieces  of  the  wall  crumbling  off.  As  the 
horn  often  yields  under  the  weight  of  the  body,  dislocation 
of  the  wall,  with  pressure  upon  the  sensitive  parts,  results, 
and  is  subsequently  followed  by  an  intractable  lameness, 
particularly  on  hard  ground.  Corns  and  ridges  are  common 
in  hoofs  having  this  quality  of  horn. 

Hoof  lameness  in  colts,  which  should  be  a  rare  sight,  but  is 
not,  is  probably  due  to  the  fact  that  the  little  hoof  is  chiefly 
treated  with  contempt  while  developing,  instead  of  receiv- 
ing the  care  this  important  structure  demands.  In  this 
country,  where  the  interchange  of  horses  from  one  section 
to  another  is  so  frequent  and  extensive,  hoof  lameness  in 
the  young  horse  is  not  uncommon.  Undoubtedly  difficulties 
are  constantly  met  with  in  deciding  the  normality  or  abnor- 
mality of  the  physical  nature  of  the  horn  and  form  of  the 
hoof.  Therefore  any  conclusions  as  to  whether  the  hoof  is 
within  physiological  limits  or  not,  are  to  be  based  upon  these 
points.  Moist  pastures  predispose  to  flat  feet,  as  the  moist 
and  elastic  horn  under  the  weight  of  the  body  has  a  ten- 
dency to  spread,  thus  furthering  sole  formation  ;  upright 
and  narrow  hoofs  are  the  result  of  the  contrary  influences, 
as  the  hard,  dry  ground  renders  the  horn  unyielding  and 
sole  formation  is  interfered  with.  The  same  follow  improper 
or  neglected  paring,  too  early  shoeing  and  faulty  positions 
of  the  limbs. 

The  surface  of  the  wall  of  the  hoof  is  often  covered  with 
ridges,  generally  running  parallel  with  the  coronary  band. 


134  LAMENESS  IN   THE   HORSE. 

These  ridges  may  be  physiological  or  due  to  disease.  The 
physiological  ridges  are  of  no  moment,  appearing  on  the 
surface  of  the  hoof  when  the  hair  is  shed,  or  the  nature  of 
the  food  suddenly  and  radically  changed,  and  in  the  preg- 
nant female.  Ridges,  following  dislocation  of  the  papillae  of 
the  coronary  cushion,  indicate  dislocation  of  the  os  pedis, 
for  instance,  in  founder,  and  also  inflammatory  processes  of 
the  coronary  cushion.  In  the  former,  the  coronary  cushion 
is  sunken  in  and  the  horny  wall  growing  from  it  lies  below 
the  surface  occupied  originally ;  but  in  the  latter  the  coron- 
ary cushion  rises  and  the  ridges  are  therefore  above  the 
level  of  the  wall.  Corns  invariably  produce  them,  as  also 
injuries  of  the  coronet.  In  flat  feet,  contraction  of  the  wall 
in  the  coronary  region  sometimes  irritates  the  papillae,  and 
ridge  formation  follows. 

Pal])ation. — One  way  to  recognize  inflammatory  processes, 
at  least  of  an  acute  nature,  within  the  horny  box  consists  in 
resting  the  hand  upon  the  toe,  the  quarters,  the  heels  and 
the  coronary  region,  first  of  the  diseased  hoof  and  then  of 
the  sound  one,  to  compare  the  temperature  of  the  two.  The 
point  is  to  find  out  whether  one  heel  or  quarter  is  warmer 
than  the  other  heel  or  quarter  of  the  same  hoof,  or  whether 
both  parts  are  warmer  than  the  corresponding  ones  in  the 
other  hoof.  As  previously  stated,  the  heels  are  normally 
warmer  than  the  region  of  the  toe.  Then  the  pincers  or 
the  hammer  is  employed  to  detect  a  spot  which,  upon  pres- 
sure or  percussion,  is  painful,  as  demonstrated  by  the 
flinching  of  the  animal  at  that  moment.  Some  animals 
flinch  as  soon  as  pressure  is  brought  to  bear  upon  the  sole. 
In  such  cases  it  is  advisable  to  move  the  pincers  a  little 
away  from  the  apparently  painful  spot,  gradually  working 
them  back  to  the  original  place.     Should  the  animal  again 


DIAGNOSIS   OF  HOOF    LAMENESS.  135 

evince  pain,  the  spot  pressed  can  safely  be  looked  upon  as 
the  seat  of  the  trouble,  provided  pain  is  not  found  anywhere 
else.  The  jerking  of  the  leg,  following  pressure  upon  a 
painful  spot  in  the  hoof,  is  chiefly  a  reflex  action.  The 
short,  spasmodic  contraction  of  the  shoulder  muscles  and 
extensors  of  the  fore-arm  may  therefore  serve  as  a  guide. 
Jerking  of  these  muscles  synchronously  with  the  application 
of  pincers  or  hammer  to  a  certain  spot  suggests  pain  in  the 
region  the  pressure  is  exerted  upon.  As  to  the  relative 
value  of  pincers  or  hammer,  it  is  well  to  say  that  the  hammer, 
on  the  whole,  is  of  more  use  than  the  pincers,  and  in  such 
cases  as  separation  of  the  wall  from  the  laminae,  it  is  invalu- 
able. 

To  examine  the  white  line,  so  important  in  the  diagnosis 
of  the  seat  of  hoof  lameness,  the  shoe  must  be  removed 
and  the  sole  and  frog  freed  of  all  loose  and  ragged  horn,  to 
allow  of  a  minute  examination  of  these  parts.  Any  place 
which  has  been  previously  established,  beyond  a  reasonable 
doubt,  to  be  diseased,  by  the  hammer  and  pincers,  should 
now  be  traced  with  the  searching  knife.  But  nothing  is 
more  unjustifiable  than  to  dig  into  the  sole  here  and  there 
in  hopes  of  finding  something  abnormal,  for  in  that  way  the 
horn  is  destroyed  and  newly  injured.  In  following  up  any 
diseased  locality  near  the  wall,  it  is  of  importance  to  remem- 
ber that  the  wall  is  principally  concerned  in  bearing  weight, 
and  therefore  is  to  be  spared  as  much  as  possible,  while  any 
portion  of  the  sole  can  be  replaced  by  artificial  means. 


CHAPTEE  XXIL 


LAMENESS  FOLLOWING  ACUTE  SUPERFICIATi 

AND  PARENCHYMATOUS  INFLAMMATION 

OF  THE  PODOPHYLLOUS  MEMBRANE. 


History. — Usually  lameness  is  the  result  of  wounds  of 
the  lioruy  box  and  underlying  tissues,  as  caulking,  pricking, 
nail-puncture,  cutting  out  of  corns,  poorl}^  fitting  shoes, 
leaving  the  shoe  on  too  long,  prolonged  rest  on  hard  ground, 
and  empirical  treatment  with  oil  of  turpentine,  acids,  etc. 

Inspection. — More  or  less  supporting-leg  lameness,  increas- 
ing on  hard  ground  and  going  down  hill.  In  superficial 
inflammation  one  may  see  discharge  of  a  thin,  grayish  or 
blackish  matter  flowing  from  a  wound,  as  in  nail-puncture, 
artificial  openings ;  or  the  liquid,  by  burrowing,  appears 
between  the  coronary  cushion  and  the  horny  wall,  at  the 
heel  or  at  the  frog.  At  the  point  of  perforation  no  swelling  is 
noticeable.  In  parenchymatous  inflammation,  inflammatoiy 
products  of  a  thick,  yellowish  nature  are  apt  to  perforate 
the  skin  at  the  coronet  or  heel.  The  point  of  perfora- 
tion is  surrounded  by  severe  swelling.  Whenever  the 
product  of  the  superficial  inflammation  appears  on  the 
coronet  or  heel,  the  seat  of  the  trouble  is  readily  found 
by  following  the  direction  of  the  horn  tubules,  from  the 
point  of  perforation  to  the  white  line,  where  further 
examination  reveals  the  seat  of  lameness.  The  animal 
points,  and  it  is  tolerably  safe  to  say  that  resting  upon  the 
toe  means  disease  somewhere  in  the  posterior  half  of  the 


INFLAMMATION  OF  THE   PODOPHYLLOUS   MEMBKANE.         137 

hoof,  most  evident  in  purulent  cellulitis  of  the  plantar 
cushion.  Forward  pointing  and  weighting  the  heels,  chiefly 
or  exclusively,  suggests  disease  in  the  anterior  half,  particu- 
larly the  region  of  the  toe  of  the  hoof,  as  in  founder  (see 
fig.  25).  Swelling  in  the  hollow  of  the  heels  or  the  coronet 
and  along  the  course  of  the  flexor  teudons  is,  as  already 
stated,  of  value  in  coming  to  a  conclusion.     (See  page     ). 


Fig.  24. 

Position  of  the  hoof  in  disease  of  the  plantar  cushion,  respectively 

flexor  pedis  perforans  tendon. 

Palpation. — The  hoof-tester  or  the  hammer  reveals  painful 
spots,  which,  when  cat  out  with  the  searching  knife,  are 
found  to  be  either  red  or  black,  occasionally  yellow,  and 
matter,  either  thin,  of  gray  or  black  color,  or  thick  and 
yellowish.  One  may  detect  separation  of  the  sole  from  the 
wall,  or  even  of  the  wall  from  the  laminae.  The  trace  of  a 
misdirected  nail  or  a  foreign  body,  as  a  nail,  etc.,  is  found. 
Increase   of  temperature    in   certain    regions,   as   the    toe. 


138 


LAMENESS  IN  THE   HORSE. 


coronet,  heels,  etc.,  and  violent  throbbing  of  the  collateral 
artery  of  the  cannon  or  digital  ateries,  which  always  accom- 
panies inflammatory  changes  of  some  extent  in  the  hoof,  are 
met  with.  Whenever  the  animal  shows  volar  flexion  of  the 
phalanges,  supports  weight  cautiously  and  only  upon  the 


Position  of  anterior  limbs  in  laminitis. 
(Hind  legs  ought  to  be  more  advanced.) 

toe,  it  is  advisable  to  practice  dorsal  flexion ;  pain,  as  a 
consequence  of  it,  indicates  purulent  cellulitis  of  the  plantar 
cushion  and  often  disease  of  the  flexor  tendon.  (See  fig.  24.) 
Differential  Diagnosis.— Yvom  a  clinical  point  of  view  it  is 
difficult  unless  pus  formation  or  cellulitis  are  present. 

1.  Parenchymatous  inflammation  comes  on  gradually  and 
lameness  may  increase  to  great  severity.   Superficial  inflam- 


INFLAMMATION  OF   THE    PODOPHYLLOUS    MEMBRANE.        139 

mation  usually  gives  rise  to  sudden  and  unexpected  lameness, 
wliich  is  apt  to  disappear  quickly. 

2.  The  product  of  parenchymatous  inflammation,  which 
is  thick  and  yellowish,  perforates  the  skin ;  swelling  and 
pain  in  that  region  are  pronounced.  The  product  of  super- 
ficial inflammation,  which  is  thin  and  black  in  dark  hoofs, 
and  gray  in  light  colored  ones,  only  separates  the  coronary 
cushion  from  the  horny  wall  at  the  point  of  exit,  unattended 
by  swelliog  or  much  pain  in  that  region. 

3.  Parenchymatous  inflammation,  especially  when  septic, 
has  a  tendency  to  spread  and  to  lead  to  fatal  complications. 
Superficial  inflammation  is  not  so  liable  to  terminate  in  this 
way. 

4.  Parenchymatous  inflammation  is  usually  the  result  of 
infection  with  pus  producing  bacteria,  introduced  by  deeply 
acting  irritants.  Superficial  inflammation  is  the  result  of 
less  detrimental  influences. 


CHAPTEE  XXin. 


LAMENESS    FOLIiOWING  INDIVIDUAL   HOOF 
DISEASE. 


1, — Laminitis. 

Inspection. — Usually  the  fore-feet  are  diseased.  In  the 
standing  posture  the  body  may  sway  back  and  forth,  an 
expression  of  pain  and  fatigue.  The  hind-legs  are  uuduly 
advanced  under  the  belly  and  the  fore-legs  are  kept  in  front 
of  the  chest,  with  the  phalanges  in  abnormal  dorsal  flexion. 
The  weight  of  the  body  is  chiefly  sustained  by  the  heels  of 
the  hoof,  and  the  head  and  neck  are  elevated.  When  forced 
to  move,  the  fore-feet  take  short  steps  as  if  anxious  to  get 
out  of  the  way  of  the  hind-legs.  The  hind-quarters  sway 
to  and  fro,  the  fore-feet  touch  the  ground,  heels  first,  and 
the  sole  of  the  hoof  can  be  seen  plainly  by  standing  in  front 
of  the  animal  as  it  walks.  The  foundered  hoof  produces  a 
double  hoof  beat,  the  first  being  due  to  the  striking  of  the 
ground  with  the  heels,  the  second  to  the  coming  down  of  the 
toe.  If  the  hind-feet  are  foundered,  which  is  rarely  the  case, 
all  four  feet  gather  under  the  belly  in  a  bunch.  Foundered 
horses  when  lying  down  require  some  persuasion  to  get  up. 
When  down  they  occasionally  groan,  look  to  one  side,  and 
draw  up  first  one  and  then  the  other  foundered  leg.  In  slight 
cases  the  animal,  when  walking,  is  merely  stiff,  and  such 
animals  in  resting  frequently  hold  up  the  foundered  feet 
alternately.  Such  cases,  turned  quickly  on  hard  ground,  show 


FOLLOWING   INDIVIDUAL   HOOF   DISEASES.  141 

an  immediate  and  material  increase  of  lameness.  Should  all 
four  feet  be  foundered,  the  animal  lies  down  constantly.  In 
cases  of  chronic  founder, — that  is,  those  where  the  os  pedis 
is  dislocated, — distinct  changes  in  the  form  of  the  hoof  are 
evident.  The  coronary  region  is  depressed,  and,  as  a  conse- 
quence, the  anterior  region  of  the  wall  of  the  hoof  becomes 
more  or  less  concave  and  is  covered  with  ridges  diverging 
toward  the  quarters.  Such  a  hoof  after  some  time  is  longer 
than  wide,  the  sole  is  convex,  and  there  is  supportiug-leg 


Fig.  26. 
Hoof  deformed  by  chronic  laminitis. 

lameness  with  permanent  forward  pointing  of  the  leg ;  the 
heels  always  touch  the  ground  first,  and  thus  in  walking 
slowly  the  double  beat,  mentioned  before,  is  quite  evident. 

Palpation. — Increase  of  temperature  of  the  whole  hoof, 
especially  about  the  toe ;  pain  upon  pressure  over  the  entire 
toe  region,  and  exaggerated  throbbing  of  the  collateral 
artery  of  the  cannon  or  digital  arteries,  form  the  diagnostic 
points  of  founder. 

Differential  Diagnosis. — Muscular  rheumatism:  It  cannot 
be  denied  that  after  a  superficial  examination  this  affection 
is  easily  mistaken  for  founder  ;  still  the  characteristic  points 
of  founder,  viz.,  throbbing  of  the  digital  arteries,  pain  on 
pressure  and  increased  heat  over  the  toe,  region  of  the  hoof, 
are  absent.     In  rheumatism  the  animal  does  not  rest  so 


142  LAMENESS   IX  THE   nOR'E. 

persistently  upon  the  heels  of  the  hoof ;  the  muscles  often 
quiver,  may  be  warmer  than  normally,  slightly  swollen, 
tense  and  hard  ;  tapping  them  lightly  excites  severe  pain. 
Constant  crackling  of  the  joints  almost  invariably  accom- 
panies rheumatisui  in  the  beginning,  and  sometimes  the 
flexor  tendons  are  also  involved ;  they  are  then  painfully 
swollen.  Such  animals,  when  lying  down,  hold  their  legs 
perfectly  quiet,  not  drawing  them  up  as  in  founder.  When 
exercised,  lameness  diminishes. 

Injuries  of  the  sole  :  Here  the  local  examination  will 
be  decisive.  Horses,  especially  flat-footed  ones,  occasionally 
wear  oflf  the  hoof  to  such  an  extent  that  the  sole  becomes 
bruised,  and  lameness,  similar  to  that  seen  in  founder, 
results. 

Pumiced  foot :  This  formation  and  the  hoof  of  chronic 
laminitis  are  often  confounded.  This  is  probably  due  to  the 
convexity  of  the  sole  which  is  present  in  both ;  but  the 
convexity  of  the  former  extends  over  the  entire  sole  surface, 
while  that  of  the  pumiced  foot  is  chiefly  confined  to  the 
posterior  half  of  the  sole.  The  white  line  of  the  foundered 
hoof  is  much  wider  than  the  one  of  the  pumiced  foot.  The 
deformity  of  the  foundered  foot  is  the  consequence  of 
laminitis,  whereas  the  pumiced  foot  is  nothing  but  an  exag- 
gerated flat  foot  with  excessive  sole  formation  during  its 
development. 

2.— "Wounds  of  the  Coronet. 

Inspection. — Depending  on  the  depth  of  the  w^ound,  the 
lameness  is  either  absent,  slight  or  severe.  All  stages  of 
injury,  from  a  mere  abrasion  of  the  skin  to  a  deep  infected 
wound  with  swelling  of  the  coronet,  of  the  heels,  and 
perhaps  of  the  phalangeal  regions,  are  seen.     The  animal 


FOLLOWING  INDIVIDUAL  HOOF  DISEASES.  143 

may  refuse  to  support  weight,  or  it  is  only  sustuined  by  the 
toe  ;  the  phalanges  at  the  same  time  are  hekl  in  excessive 
volar  flexion. 

Palpation. — The  contusion  is  mostly  found  on  the 
coronary  cushion  in  the  region  of  the  extensor  tendon.  The 
degree  of  lameness  and  the  swelling,  which  is  hot  and 
painful,  are  sufficient  to  give  an  idea  of  the  extent  of  the 
injury.  Should  it  be  necessary  to  probe  at  all,  a  sterilized 
probe  may  be  introduced  by  a  steady  hand.  The  latter  is 
of  great  moment,  as  any  sudden  movement  of  the  horse 
may  endanger  the  pedal  articulation  of  being  punctured.  It 
is  useless  to  probe  for  an  open  joint,  since  the  discharge 
of  synovia  settles  that  point,  also  confirmed  by  the  severe 
supporting-leg  lameness,  swelling  of  the  entire  coronary 
cushion  with  abscess  formation,  and  great  pain  on  passive 
rotation  of  that  joint.  Deep  injuries  in  that  region,  not 
opening  the  pedal  articulation,  excite  more  of  a  swinging- 
leg  lameness,  and  weight  is  often  readily  supported  by  the 
lame  leg. 

3. — Quittor. 
Inspection. — More  or  less  lameness,  depending  on  the 
extent  of  the  morbid  process  and  the  complications  there- 
from. Intense  supporting-leg  lameness  and  the  extreme 
volar  flexion  of  the  phalanges,  weight  only  being  borne  by 
the  toe  of  the  hoof,  characterize  purulent  cellulitis  of  the 
plantar  cushion  and  inflammation  of  the  pedal  articulation. 
(See  fig.  24).  When  a  quittor  is  forming,  usually  only  a 
firm  swelling  in  the  internal  lateral  region  of  the  coronary 
cushion  and  the  corresponding  heel  is  visible.  In  a  few 
days  a  discharge, — a  mixture  of  blood  and  pus, — breaks 
through  and  the  swelling  go"fes  down.  One  or  more  small 
openings,  regularly  discharging  pus,  remain. 


144  LAMENESS   IN   THE    HORSE. 

Palpation. — Probing  is  of  little  value,  as  the  winding 
fistulous  tracts  interfere  with  the  progress  of  the  probe ; 
but  nevertheless  it  establishes  the  presence  of  a  fistulous 
canal,  thus  helping  to  differentiate  qnittor  from  simple 
injuries  to  the  coronet  and  superficial  inflammation  of  the 
podophyllous  membrane.  After  a  while  the  first  fistulous 
opening  heals.  Swelling,  pain  and  lameness  increase,  and 
in  due  time  another  fistula,  usually  anterior  to  the  first  one, 
makes  its  appearance.  This  process  repeats  itself  from  time 
to  time  until  proper  treatment  checks  it. 

4. — Punctured  Wounds  of  Sole  and  Frog. 

Inspection. — The  intensity  of  the  lameness  depends  on  the 
seat  and  depth  of  the  puncture.  In  inspecting  the  sole  of 
recent  cases,  the  foreign  body,  a  di'op  of  blood,  or  nothing 
at  all,  is  apt  to  be  found.  In  cases  of  some  standing,  a 
discharging  wound  is  met  with. 

Palpation. — The  application  of  the  hoof-tester  reveals  a 
painful  locality,  which,  when  traced,  shows  the  exact  course 
of  the  puncture,  or  even  the  foreign  body.  The  groove 
between  the  bars  and  the  branches  of  the  frog  is  the  part 
most  frequently  involved.  Careful  paring  of  the  sole  and 
frog  are  essential  to  the  detection  of  a  punctured  wound. 
Not  long  ago  the  writer  was  called  several  hundred  miles  to 
diagnose  a  case  of  lameness  in  a  very  valuable  trotting 
mare,  which  went  lame  shortly  after  a  race  and  had  been 
treated  for  hip  lameness,  while  she  was  actually  suffering  from 
a  punctured  wound,  running  from  the  middle  lacuna  of  the 
frog  obliquely  upwards  and  backwards,  as  the  writer  found 
on  making  his  examination.  The  attending  veterinarian  also 
examined  the  hoof  when  she  went  lame  first,  but  omitted 
the  examination  of  the  frog.     The  offending  body  in  this 


FOLLOWING   INDIVIDUAL   HOOF   DISEASES.  14:5 

instance  was  a  piece  of  a  darning  needle.  In  probing  a 
punctured  wound  of  the  sole  or  frog,  none  but  a  sterilized 
probe  should  be  employed  and  that  only  after  the  wound 
has  been  disinfected. 

5.— Pricking  in  Shoeing. 

Inspection. — "When  the  nail  is  driven  into  the  deep  layers 
of  the  podophyllous  membrane,  lameness  is  either  immedi- 
ate or  may  be  severe  within  the  next  twenty-four  hours. 
Such  a  case,  seen  soon  after  the  shoe  has  been  nailed  on, 
generally  shows  a  little  blood  around  the  clench  of  the 
pricking  nail.  If  the  nail  is  only  driven  too  close  to  the 
rete  malphigii,  thus  simply  exerting  pressure,  three  to  five 
days  may  elapse  before  sudden  lameness,  Math  all  the 
symptoms  of  a  superficial  inflammation  of  the  podophyllous 
membrane,  becomes  apparent. 

Palpation. — Lightly  tapping  the  head  or  clench  of  the 
offending  nail  immediately  makes  the  animal  flinch,  and 
upon  removal,  the  nail  will  show  pus  or  blood  adhering  to 
it.  Paring  of  the  white  line  reveals  a  black  spot  (the  stain 
is  chiefly  due  to  precipitated  sulphide  of  iron),  extending 
somewhat  into  the  sole.  This  discoloration  always  indicates 
that  the  nail  entered  the  podophyllous  membrane. 

6— Corns. 

Are  reddish,  or  occasionally  yellowish  spots,  situated 
chiefly  in  the  angle  formed  by  the  bars  and  the  wall,  which 
do  not  produce  lameness  unless  the  bruising  agent  continues 
to  act, — the  product  of  the  resulting  contusion  pressing 
upon  the  sensory  nerves  of  the  podophyllous  membrane, — 
or  septic  inflammation  takes  place.  The  septic  material 
enters  at  the  place  where  the  so-called  corns  are  located,  so 
often  the  case  when  they  are  cut  out.     This  inflammation  is 


146  LAMENESS  IN  THE   HORSE, 

usually  designated  as  dry,  moist  and  suppurating  corns 
respectively, — terms  of  exceedingly  doubtful  value.  Hoofs 
continuously  afflicted  with  corns  are  quite  characteristic  in 
their  conformation.  The  wall  at  the  quarters  is  often  covered 
with  ridges,  which  do  not  run  parallel  with  the  coronary 
cushion,  and  the  heels  of  such  a  hoof  are  wanting  in  uni- 
formity. Two  other  conditions  closely  related  to  corns  are 
bruised  sole  and  bruised  heels  ;  both  are  frequently  met  with 
in  flat-footed  horses  when  going  barefooted  or  improperly 
shod.  Bruised  sole  is  identified  by  the  same  reddish  spots 
in  the  white  line  or  sole  as  corns,  the  only  difference  being 
the  location.  Lameness  accompanying  corns  or  bruised 
sole  is  the  consequence  of  either  a  superficial  or  a  paren- 
chymatous inflammation  of  the  podophyllous  memdrane. 

7.— Side  BoneSo 

laspedion. — When  walkii)g,  weight  is  chiefly  borne  dy  the 
toe,  which  is  put  to  the  ground  first ;  the  animal  steps  lightly 
uptjn  the  posterior  half  of  the  hoof,  and  the  phalanges  show 
more  or  less  volar  flexion.  When  both  feet  are  diseased  the 
gait  is  stiff  and  the  animal  takes  short  steps.  Inspection  of 
the  shoe  shows  least  wear  over  the  diseased  quarter.  Quite 
often  contraction  of  the  wall  at  the  quarter  of  the  afflicted 
side  is  apparent,  and  the  wall  is  ridged. 

Palpation. — The  seat  of  the  lameness  is  readily  recognized 
when  ossification  is  complete.  To  test  the  elasticity  of  the 
cartilages  the  foot  is  raised,  the  thumbs  placed  upon  the 
inside  and  outside  quarters  respectively,  and  the  other 
fingers,  resting  against  the  upper  border  of  the  cartilages, 
pull  them  in  an  outward  direction.  Any  difference  in  the 
elasticity  of  the  cartilage  is  thus  easily  detected.  This  test 
is  of  no  value  when   only  the   lower   portion  of  the  fibre 


FOLLOWING   INDIVIDUAL   HOOF   DISEASES.  147 

cartilage  is  ossified,  and  the  diagnosis  then  often  becomes 
uncertain.  If  pressure  upon  the  corresponding  portions  of 
the  wall  fails  to  produce  pain,  the  diagnosis  of  side  bones 
can  only  be  pronounced  when  all  other  lesions,  which  might 
excite  similar  lameness,  are  excluded. 


Fig.  27. 
Ossification  of  the  lateral  cartilages. 

8.— Thrush. 

Rarely  gives  rise  to  lameness,  unless  the  horny  frog  has 
been  destroyed  to  such  an  extent  as  to  no  longer  be  a  protec- 
tion to  the  sensitive  frog,  which  may  even  become  visible. 
Such  animals  go  lamer  on  soft  than  on  hard  and  level 
ground.  Ordinarily  a  thrushy  frog  looks  ragged,  and  a 
greasy,  grayish  matter,  having  a  disagreeable  odor,  oozes 
from  the  middle  lacuna,  where  the  disease  starts,  to  possibly 
undermine  the  entire  frog.  Sometimes  superficial  inflam- 
mation of  the  podophyllous  membrane  follows  the  entrance 
of  septic  material  into  the  spaces  formed  in  the  disintegrat- 
ing frog,  producing  what  is  generally  known  as  abscess  of 


148  LAMENESS  IN  THE  HORSE. 

the  frog.  Thrush  of  long  standing  is  occasionally  followed 
by  a  characteristic  ridge  formation  of  the  wall,  the  ridges 
running  in  all  directions,  even  crossing  each  other. 

9. — Sandcracks. 

Inspection. — Cracks  in  the  horny  wall  do  not  frequently 
cause  lameness,  except  those  which  begin  one  or  two  inches 
below  the  coronary  cushion  extending  into  it ;  in  such  cases 
lameness  is  quite  common.  Animals  with  cracked  hoofs 
occasionally  show  a  periodic  lameness  when  the  hoofs  are 
exposed  to  prolonged  drying  or  moisture,  the  lameness 
simply  resulting  from  the  drying  or  softening  of  the  edges 
of  the  crack,  with  subsequent  irritation  of  the  underlying 
sensitive  parts.  Any  serious  lameness  in  cracked  hoofs  is 
due  to  the  introduction  of  septic  material  into  these  cracks, 
which  frequently  causes  superficial,  or  even  parenchymatous, 
inflammation  of  the  podophyllous  membrane.  Brittle,  con- 
tracted, crooked  and  flat  hoofs  are  particularly  predisposed 
to  sandcracks. 

Palpation — It  is  always  advisable  to  carefully  search  the 
hoof  for  cracks  in  cases  of  hoof  lameness,  and  since  such 
cracks  maybe  hidden  by  mud,  wax,  gutta-percha,  etc.,  minute 
inspection  is  necessary. 

10  — Loosening  of  the  Sole  from  the  "Wall. 

Inspection—  Lameness,  chiefly  on  hard  ground,  accom- 
panies separation  of  the  sole  from  the  wall  only  when  the 
break  extends  into,  or  close  to,  the  sensitive  sole,  or  if,  as  a 
consequence  of  septic  material  entering  this  space,  inflam- 
mation of  the  podophyllous  membrane  sets  in.  This  trouble 
is  mostly  seen  in  the  fore-legs  of  flat  footed  horses.  In  old 
cases,  with  extensive   separation   of  these  structures,  one 


FOLLOWING   INDIVIDUAL    HOOF    DISEASES. 


149 


occasionally  sees  a  beudiug  in  of  that  part  of  Ihe  hoof  lying 
between  the  clenches  of  the  nails  and  the  bearing  surface  of 
the  hoof.  It  is  advisable  to  consider  this  concavity  of  the 
wall  in  examining  animals  for  hoof  lameness,  it  being  the 
only  visible  indication  of  this  condition  as  long  as  the  shoe 
is  left  on  the  hoof. 

Palpation. — After    the    shoe    has  been   removed,  one  or 
more  dark  streaks  on  one  or  both  sides  of  the  sole  of  unequal 


Fig.  28. 
1,  Loose  wall ;  2  and  3,  hollow  wall. 

length  are  seen,  and  when  cleansed  a  lougish  cavity  in  the 
white  line,  which,  as  further  examination  shows,  extends 
into,  or  close  to,  the  sensitive  sole,  is  founds 

11.— Seedy   Toe. 

Inspection. — This  condition,  following  chronic  changes  in 
the  laminae,  results  in  formation  of  a  cavity  between  the 
sensitive  and  horny  lamiiife.  Lameness  is  generally  want- 
ing, but  the  superficial  or  even  parenchymatous  inflammation 
of  the  podophyllous  membrane,  which  may  follow  seedy  toe 


150  L.\MEXESS   IN  THE   HORSE. 

at  any  time,  causes  lameness.  Sometimes  the  wall  bulges 
out  visibly  over  the  cavity,  especially  when  the  latter  is 
extensive.  After  the  shoe  has  been  pulled  off,  black  streaks 
in  the  white  line,  similar  to  those  seen  in  loosening  of  the 
sole  from  the  Avail,  are  met  with. 

Palpation. — Percussion  of  the  hoof  produces  a  hollow 
sound.  Probing  reveals  the  fact  that  the  cavity  extends  up 
into  the  sensitive  structures,  occasionally  as  far  as  the 
coronet.  The  cavity  is  either  empty  or  contains  crumbly 
disintegrated  horn.  The  shape  of  the  cavity  is  generally 
conical,  with  its  apex  toward  the  coronet  and  its  base  at 
the  sole.  Such  a  cavity  rarely  extends  further  than  half-way 
up  the  wall,  having  a  width  of  from  one-eighth  to  one  and 
one-quarter  of  an  inch. 

12.— Contracted  Hoof. 

All  deformities  of  the  hoof,  which  by  their  pressure  upon 
the  sensitive  soft  parts  of  the  hoof  cause  lameness,  are 
known  as  "contracted  hoof."  From  a  clinical  standpoint  it 
is  of  value  to  subdivide  them  according  to  the  various 
regions  in  which  the  contraction  may  occur.  Lameness  is 
more  noticeable  when  only  one  hoof  is  involved.  When 
standing  the  animal  points,  and  when  both  feet  are  con- 
tracted the  weight  is  frequently  shifted  from  one  leg  to  the 
other.  This  is  especially  apparent  when  first  getting  up 
after  having  been  lying  down  for  some  time,  of  which  the 
animal,  under  these  conditions,  is  very  fond.  Upright 
fetlocks  and  sprung  knees  are  often  seen  in  the  lame  leg. 
\\rhen  contraction  sets  in  gradually,  lameness  is  occasionally 
absent  or  very  slight;  higli  strung  animals  frequently  drive 
out  of  the  lameness.  Lameness,  the  result  of  contraction 
of  the  hoof,  is  in  many  instances  periodical. 


FOLLOWING  INDIVIDUAL   HOOF  DISEASES.  151 

CONTRACTION  IN   THE   REGION   OF  THE   QUARTERS. 

A  keen  eye  and  a  thorough  knowledge  of  the  various  forms 
of  the  hoof  are  essential  to  diagnose  contraction  in  its 
earliest  stages.  Upon  inspection  of  the  contracted  hoof,  in 
its  various  stages,  one  will  see  that  it  gradually  becomes 
longer  and  narrower  and  that  the  heels  approach  each  other 
more  and  more.  The  sole  is  more  concave,  the  frog 
atrophied  and  often  tli rushy,  and  the  ordinarily  shallow 
middle  lacuna  is  transformed  into  a  deep  and  narrow  cleft. 


Fig.  2£ 
Complete  bilateral  contraction. 

The  bars,  instead  of  running  from  the  heels  to  the  point  of 
the  frog  in  a  straight  line,  lie  close  to  it,  often  forming  an 
arch  with  its  convexity  toward  the  wall.  In  contraction  of 
one  quarter  only  (see  fig.  30)  the  angle  formed  by  the  bar 
and  the  corresponding  portion  of  the  wall  is  of  great  diag- 
nostic value.  If  that  angle  and  the  branch  of  the  frog  next 
to  it  are  smaller  than  the  opposite  ones,  and  the  correspond- 
ing heel  extends  further  up  than  the  other  heel,  one-sided 
contraction  can  safel}^  be  diagnosed.  In  these  cases  the 
white  line  is  also  of  some  assistance,  as  it  is  narrower  than 
the  one  on  the  other  side,  the  normal  one.  Ossification  of 
the   lateral   cartilage   of    the   contracted   side,   sandcracks, 


152  LAMENESS   IN  THE   HORSE. 

corns,  thrusli  aud  rigidity  of  the  lioruy  box  are  common 
complications  in  old  cases  of  contraction.  To  test  the 
rigidity  of  the  horny  box,  of  some  moment  in  diagnosing 
this  trouble,  the  thumbs  are  rested  upon  the  bars,  the  palm 
and  the  other  fingers  upon  the  region  of  the  heels,  and  a 
gradual  compression  will  give  one  a  fair  idea  of  the  elasticity 
of  the  horny  box  at  the  quarters. 


Fig.  30. 
Unilateral  contraction. 

CONTRACTION  OF  THE  SOLE  ONLY, 

This  condition  is  rather  uncommon.  Lameness  is  more 
apt  to  increase  on  soft  than  on  hard  ground,  and  generally 
follows  unusual  exertion  or  recent  shoeing.  The  application 
of  the  hoof-tester  reveals  no  pain  unless  the  centre  of  the 
sole  is  pinched.  When  only  one  hoof  is  thus  affected,  the 
difference  in  the  concavity  of  the  sole  is  readily  noticed,  th.^ 
contracted  one  being  more  concave.  Upon  inspection  the 
outer  edge  of  the  inferior  border  of  tlie  wall  shows  one  t)r 
the  other  portion,  usually  at  the  toe  or  quarters,  to  be  bent 


FOLLOWING  INDIVIDUAL   HOOF  LAMENESS.  153 

inwardly, — that  is,  in  the  direction  of  the  sole.  Examina- 
tion of  the  white  line  at  that  place  will  in  all  probability 
reveal  little  red  spots,  like  those  in  corns.  Abnormal 
throbbing  in  the  digital  arteries  is  present,  and  this  is  the 


Fig.  31. 
Contracted  sole  and  dislocation  of  the  wall  at  the  toe. 

principal  point  of  difference  between  this  condition  and  a 
badly  defined  case  of  navicular  disease,  in  which  abnormal 
pulsation  of  the  digital  arteries  is  wanting. 

CONTKACTION  IN   THE   COKONAEY   REGION. 

This  form  of  contraction  is  mainly  seen  in  flat-footed 
animals,  immediately  below  the  coronary  cushion.     There 


Fig. 
Coronary  contraction. 


is  either  a  slight  concavity,  usually  confined  to  the  region 
of  the  quarters,  or  the  wall  is  abruptly  bent  in.  The  pain 
excited  by  pressure  with  the  pincers  upon  the  contracted 
parts  leaves  no  doubt  as  to  the  seat  of  the  lameness. 


CHAPTEE  XXIV. 


LAMENESS    RESULTING    FROM    DIFFERENT 

CAUSES  NOT  DESCRIBED  IN  THE 

FOREGOING  PARAGRAPHS. 


In  the  previous  discussions  on  tlie  Clinical  Diagnosis  of 
Lameness  in  the  Horse,  all  the  common  and  important 
lesions  have  been  considered,  which  are  primarily  concerned 
in  lameness.  The  scope  of  this  work  is  too  limited  to  allow 
of  full  consideration  of  the  majority  of  those  conditions 
which  interfere  with  locomotion ;  but  even  a  compendium  is 
not  quite  complete  without  alluding,  at  least,  to  some  of  those 
morbid  conditions  which  secondarily  produce  lameness. 

1.  Glanders  and  Faixy. — The  presence  of  glanderous 
processes  in  the  neighborhood  of  aponeuroses,  in  the  sub- 
cutis  and  lymph  glands,  produces  more  or  less  lameness ; 
but  here,  as  in  all  other  diseases  mentioned  further  on, 
other  symptoms  are,  as  a  rule,  sufl&ciently  prominent  to  call 
for  a  general  examination. 

2.  Influenza. — Dropsical  swellings  of  the  legs  interfere 
with  locomotion,  but  the  visibly  lowered  vitality,  the  pinkish 
and  oedematous  conjunctiva,  the  circulatory  and  respiratory 
disturbances,  characterize  this  affection. 

3.  Maladie  du  Coit. — This  disease  causes  certain  locomo- 
tory  irregularities,  expressed  by  knuckling  over  behind  in 
walking.     Later  symptoms  of  incomplete  spinal  paralysis 


EESULTING   FROM   DIFFERENT   CAUSES.  155 

are  seen.  The  oedematous  spots  on  the  skiu  from  the  size 
of  a  quarter  of  a  dojlar  to  a  saucer,  the  great  weakness  and 
the  ring-like  swelling  of  the  glans  penis,  the  oedematous 
swelling  about  the  vulva  extending  to  the  udder,  the  vaginal 
discharge,  etc.,  diagnose  the  disease. 

4.  Purpura  Hoimorrlicujica. — Tlie  more  or  less  sharply 
defined  swelling  of  the  skin  or  subcutis  is  so  painful  that 
locomotion  is  materially  interfered  with,  but  the  nature  of 
the  swellings,  the  pet^^hiRe  from  millet  seed  to  bean  size  in 
the  nasal  mucous  membrane,  etc.,  suiBficiently  define  this 
specific  disease. 

5.  Inflammatory  Conditions  of  the  Skin. — Especially  when 
the  flexor  surface  of  a  joint,  the  hock  and  phalangeal  articu- 
lations are  involved,  as  for  instance,  grease.  The  swelling 
and  pain  cause  lameness  more  or  less  marked,  which  almost 
invariably  loses  itself  after  a  few  steps  have  been  taken. 
The  local  examination,  revealing  the  fact  that  no  other  cause 
is  present  to  warrant  lameness,  is  decisive. 

6.  Shoulder  Abscess, — Lameness  occasionally  follows  this 
condition,  which  is  characterized  by  a  sharply  defined,  hard 
and  somewhat  painful  tumor,  varying  in  size,  situated  in  or 
beiow  the  mastoido-humeralis. 

7.  Inflammatory  Changes  in  the  Mammary  Glands. — This 
induces  the  animal  to  show  a  straddling  gait  behind  at  times, 
and  the  leg  is  quite  often  advanced  in  an  outward  swinging 
fashion.  The  local  examination  reveals  a  painful  state  of 
the  gland. 

8.  Inflammation  of  the  Spermatic  Cord  and  Testicles. — The 
straddling  gait  l)ehind,  with  tendency  to  abduction  of  the 
leg  next  to  the  diseased  cord  or  testicle,  is  explained  by 
manual  examination  of  the  parts. 


156  LAMENESS  IN   THE   HORSE. 

9.  Enlarged  Inguinal  Glands. — Give  rise  to  similar  symp- 
toms as  seen  under  8,  and  is  recognized  by  palpation. 

10.  Fistulous  Withers. — If  of  some  standing,  destruction 
or  disease  of  elements  essential  to  normal  locomotion  occurs. 
The  continuous  discharge  and  local  examination  will  estab- 
lish a  correct  diagnosis. 

11.  Sternal  Fistula  — The  somewhat  doughy  but  not  very 
painful  swelling  between  the  fore-legs,  with  its  fistulous 
openings,  causes  the  animal  to  straddle  in  front.  The 
local  examination  will  leave  no  doubt  as  to  the  seat  of  the 
lameness. 

12.  Wounds  and  Inflammatory  Conditions  of  the  Shin  and 
Underlying  Tissues  of  the  Organs  of  Locomotion. — Injuries, 
sufficiently  severe  to  cut  through  muscles,  tendons  and 
nerves,  swellings  resulting  from  infection,  are  all  apt  to  bring 
on  more  or  less  intense  lameness.  Inspection  and  palpation, 
if  carefully  executed,  will  readily  decide  upon  the  cause  of 
the  lameness. 

13.  Osteoporosis. — Intermittent  lameness,  first  in  one, 
then  in  the  other  leg,  without  distinct  symptoms  as  to  its 
origin,  makes  this  an  obscure  trouble.  The  evolution  of 
this  disease  is  slow,  and  months  may  pass  before  marked 
symptoms  appear.  But  if  the  epiphyses  of  the  bones  swell, 
especially  the  tibia  and  bones  of  the  head,  etc.,  the  true 
cause  of  lameness  can  soon  be  located. 


CHAPTER  XXV. 


DISEASE   OF   THE    HEAD   OF   SUSPENSORY 
LIGAMENT. 


The  extreme  courtesy  of  Dr.  M.  H.  McKillip  enables 
the  writer  to  describe  this  peculiar  and  yet  characteristic 
lameness.  The  latter  was  given  an  opportunity  to  study 
this  lameness  in  two  well-marked  cases  by  Dr.  M.  H.  Mc- 
Killip, who  also  informed  him  that  these  cases  are  com- 
paratively rare. 

History. — Over-exertion. 

Inspection. — When  standing  little  or  nothing  unusual  is 
seen,  except  in  severe  cases,  when  all  four  feet,  especially 
the  fore-feet,  are  brought  toward  the  center  of  gravity. 
When  walkiug  the  hock  is  flexed  imperfectly;  the  point  of 
the  hock  is  abducted,  while  the  toes  are  turned  in  more  or 
less  and  the  auimal  appears  bow-legged.  The  toe  touches 
the  ground  first,  the  heel  coming  down  rather  suddenly,  the 
fetlock  shows  excessive  dorsal  flexion  as  the  function  of  the 
supporting  leg  begins.  The  above  symptoms  are  marked 
when  trotting.  When  the  animal  trots  toward  the  observer^ 
the  femoro-tibial  articulation  appears  abducted  and  promi- 
nent as  the  leg  swings  forward.  The  shoe  shows  excessive 
wear  at  the  toe.  In  cases  of  long  standing  exostoses  about 
the  suspensory  ligament,  the  result  of  a  subsequent  perios- 
titis, are  apparent. 

Palpation. — In  the  earliest  stages  nothing,  or  a  slight 
soreness,  is  present.  Periostitis  and  its  characteristic 
.symptoms  are  manifested  later  on. 


158  LAMENESS   IN  THE   HORSE. 

Paresis  of  the  Flexor  Pedis  Perforans. 

This  form  of  lameness  was  also  shown  the  writer  through 
the  kindness  of  Dr.  M.  H.  McKillip,  who  has  met  with 
twelve  cases  within  the  past  twenty  years. 

History. — Slipping  and  making  desperate  efforts  to  rise 
when  cast. 

Inspection. — In  backing  the  leg  swings  back  as  a  whole, 
so  to  speak.  The  hock  is  flexed  imperfectly  and  the  heels 
touch  the  ground  first;  the  foot  is  planted  in  a  careful, 
searching  manner.  The  animal  flexes  the  hock  excessively 
when  walking  on  smooth  and  slippery  ground,  while  all  the 
other  joints  below  the  hock  are  not  flexed  ;  the  hoof  hangs 
loosely  from  the  fetlock  and  in  extreme  cases  even  dangles. 
As  the  hoof  is  planted  the  heel  strikes  the  ground  first ;  at 
this  moment  the  hoof  slides  backward  from  two  to  fourteen 
inches,  according  to  the  severity  of  the  lesion.  When  the 
animal  is  moved  on  soft  footing,  there  is  decided  improve- 
ment. 


INDEX. 


Foreleg. 
Abduction,  entire  limb,  39 
Abduction,  sudden,  of  shoulder,  40 
Action,  faulty,  14 
Anatomo-physiological    laws      of 

foreleg,  25 
Anatomy,  axillary  glands,  36 
Anatomy,  flexor  brachii,  40 
Anatomy,  phalangeal  region,  62 
Anatomy,  postea  spinatus  muscle, 

89 
Anatomy,  prescapular  glands,  36 
Anatomy,  radial  nerve,  43 
Anatomy,  supra-scapular  nerve, 40 
Antea  spinatus.  its  function,  27 
Atrophy  of  autea  spinatus,  18 
Atrophy  of  groups  of  muscles,  18 
Atrophy  of  olecranian  muscles,  18, 

43 
Atrophy  of  postea-spinatus,  18,  40 
Atrophy  of  shoulder  muscles,  18. 

37 

HlXDLEG  AND  HOOF. 

Abduction  of  whole  leg.  84 
Abnormal  extension  of  joints,  82, 

83 
Abnormal  flexion  of  joints,  82,  83 
Adduction  of  whole  leg,  84 
Anatomo-physiological  review  of 

hindleg,  78 
Anatomo-physiological  review  of 

hoof,  126,  127,  128 
Anatomy,  femoro  tibial  articula- 
tion, 100 
Anatomy,      lumbosacral       nerve 

plexus,  96 
Anatomy,  middle  gluteus,  88 

159 


B 

Foreleg. 
Backing,  difficulty  in,  11 
Bridle  lameness,  10 


Foreleg. 
Carpus,  dorsal  flexion,  33 
Carpus,  examination,  21 
Carpus,  volar  flexion,  33 
Check  apparatus,  its  function,  26 
Cocaine,  its  use.  23.  24. 
Coronet,  swelling,  15 
Crepitation  in  fracture,  20 
Crepitation     in    inflammation    of 

tendon  sheath,  20,  21 
Croup  in  lameness,  10 

HlXDLEG  AND  HOOF. 

Club-foot,  132 

Corns,  131,  132,  133,  134,  145 

Curb-lameness,  115 


Foreleg. 

Detection  of  the  lame  leg,  9,  31 

Detection  of  the  seat  of  lameness, 
13 

Differential  diagnosis  of  fracture, 
sesamoid  bones.  68 

Differential  diagnosis  of  inflam- 
mation, posterior  ligament  coro- 
net joint,  66 

Differential  diagnosis  of  knee 
lameness,  50 

Differential  diagnosis  of  navicvdar 
lameness,  76,  77 


160 


INDEX. 


Differc-ntial  diagnosis  of  radial 
nerve  paralysis.  44 

Differential  diagnosis  of  ringbone 
lameness.  73 

Disease  of  shoulder  muscles,  37 

Diseased  conditions  of  shoulder 
joint  and  neighborhood,  36 

Distention  of  carpal  sheath,  53 

Distention  of  sheath,  extensor  me- 
tacarpus niagnus.  54 

Distention  of  slieath,  extensor  me- 
tacarpus obliquus,  54 

Distention  of  sheath,  extensor 
pedis,  54 

Distention  of  sheath,  extensor  suf- 
fraginis,  54 

Distortion,  how  to  locate,  65 

HlNDLEa  AND  HOOF. 

Diagnosis,  hoof  lameness.  130.  131 

Differential  diagnosis, acute  inflam- 
mation, hock  joint,  113 

Differential  diagnosis, crural  nerve 
paralysis,  98 

Differential  diagnosis,  curb  lame- 
ness, 116 

Differential  diagnosis,  fracture, 
astragulus,  114 

Differential  diagnosis,  fracture, 
hock  bones,  114 

Differential  diagnosis,  fracture  of 
vertebra?,  95,  121 

Differential  diagnosis,  inflamma- 
tion of  podophyll  ous  nit  m  ane, 
188,  139 

Differential  diagnosis,  laminitis, 
141 

Differential  diagnosis,  outward 
luxation,  patella,  105 

Differential  diagnosis,  rupture, 
flexor  metatarsi,  108 

Differential  diagnosis, spavin  lame- 
ness, 109 

Differential  diagnosis,  stringhalt, 
112,  118 

Disease  of  the  head  of  suspensory 
ligament,  157 


Foreleg. 

Elbow,  abnormal  extension,  33 
Elbow,  abnormal  flexion,  33 
Examination  for  fracture,  pelvis, 

22 
Examination  for  splint  lameness, 

61 
Examination  for  thrombosis  aorta 

and  branches,  22 
Examination,  general,  19 
Examination  of  hoof,  14 
Examination  of  lame  animal,  14 
Examination  of  shoulder,  18 
Examination  per  recium,  21 
Exostoses,  as  causes  of  lameness, 

23 
Extensor  of  forearm,  function,  26 
Extention,  abnormal  elbow,  33 
External  angle  of  ilium, inspection 

of,  19 


Foreleg. 

Femur,  luxation,  22 

Fetlock,  excessive  doi'sal  flexion, 

64,  68. 
Fetlock  gall.  53 
Fetlock,  swelling,  15 
Flexion,  abnormal,  elbow.  33 
Flexior  brachii,  its  function,   25, 

27 
Flexor  tendons,  their  function,  35 
Flexor  tendons,  palpation,  19. 
Fracture,  how  to  locate,  20 
Fracture,  pelvis,  20. 

Hindleg  and  Hoof. 
Femur,  backward  luxation,  92 
Femur,  forward  luxation,  91 
Femur,  inward  luxation,  92 
Femur,  outward  luxation,  92 
Flexor  metatarsi,  its  function,  78, 
79 


INDEX. 


161 


Flexor  metatarsi,  ruptiire,  83 
Fracture,  femur,  83,  93 
Fracture,  tibia,  83 
Founder,  134 

G 

. Foreleg 
Gluteal  region,  inspection  of,  19 

HiNDLEG  AND  HOOF. 

Gastrocnemii,  rupt\ire,  83,  86 
Gastrocnemii,  their  function,  78,79 

H 

Foreleg. 

Hand,  proper  temperature  when 
palpating,  20 

Hindleg,  examination  of,  18 

History,  lameness  due  to  chronic 
inflammation  of  knee,  50 

History,  lameness  due  to  contu- 
sions, scapul-humeral  articula- 
tion, 38. 

History,  lameness  due  to  diseased 
shoulder  muscles,  37 

History,  lameness  due  to  disten- 
tion, articular  and  tendinous 
s\  novial  sacs,  53 

Hist  )ry,  lameness  due  to  distortion, 
plialangeal  articulation,  64 

Ilisiory,  lameness  due  to  fracture, 
bones  of  knee,  49. 

History,  lameness  due  to  fracture, 
forearm,  45 

History,  lameness  due  to  fracture, 
metacarpal  bone,  58 

History,  lameness  due  to  fracture, 
navicular  bone,  73 

History,  lameness  due  to  fracture, 
OS  pedis,  70 

History,  lameness  due  to  fracture, 
OS  suffraginis,  69 

History,  lameness  due  to  fracture, 
radius.  48 


History,  lameness  due  to  fracture, 
scapula.  45 

History,  lameness  due  to  fracture, 
sesamoids,  68 

History,  lameness  due  to  fracture, 
ulna,  48 

History,  lameness  due  to  inflam- 
mation, bursa  flexor  brachii,  43 

History,  lameness  due  to  inflam- 
mation, carpal  bursa  flexor  pedis 
tendon, 50 

History,  lameness  due  to  inflam- 
mation, elbow  joint,  47 

History,  lameness  due  to  inflam- 
mation, flexor  tendons,  57 

History,  lameness  due  to  inflam- 
mation, posterior  ligaments, 
coronet  joint.  65 

History,  lameness  due  to  inflam- 
mation, tendon  postea  spinatus, 
39 

History,  lameness  due  to  injuries, 
anterior  surface,  knee,  49 

Histoiy,  lameness  due  to  luxation, 
phalanges,  64 

History,  lameness  due  to  luxation, 
scapul-humeral  articulation,  39 

History,  lameness  due  to  paralysis, 
brachial  nerve  plexus,  44 

History,  lameness  due  to  paralysis, 
radial  nerve,  43 

History,  lameness  due  to  paralysis, 
supra-scapular  nerve,  40 

History,  lameness  due  to  rupture, 
flexor  tendons,  56 

History,  lameness  due  to  splints, 59 

History,  lameness  due  to  throm- 
bosis, brachial  artery,  36 

History,  lameness  due  to  wounds 
and  bruises,  forearm,  48 

History,  navicular  lameness,  74 

History  of  patient,  13 

History,  ringbone  lameness,  70 

History,  sesamoid  lameness,  66 

High-strung  animals,  how  to  ex- 
amine, 9 


162 


Hock,  examination  of,  18 

Hock,  sickle-shaped,  examination 
of,  18. 

Hoof,  how  to  palpate,  16 

Hoof  lameness  of  long  standing,  15 

Hoof  lameness,  pulsation  of  art- 
eries. 17 

Hoof,  left,  15 

Hoof,  temperature.  16 

Horny  box,  acute  inflammatory 
jirocess,  15 

Horse  with  upright  shoulders,  9 

Horse  with  wide  chest,  9 

Horse  with  wide  hips,  9 

HiNDLEG  ANDHOOF, 

Hindleg,  its  function,  78 
Hip-joint,  excessive  flexion,  82,  85 
Hip-lameness,  87 

Histoiy,  acute  inflammation,  hock- 
joint,  113 
History,  acute  inflammation,  stifle- 
joint,  101 
History,     chronic    inflammation, 

stifle  joint,  101 
History,  curb  lameness,  115 
History,  disease  head  of  suspensory 

ligament,  157 
Historj',  fracture,  astragulus,  114 
Historj-.  fracture,  bones  of  hock, 

113 
History,  fracture,  femur,  93 
History,  fracture,  patella,  105 
History,  fracture,  tibia,  106 
History,  fracture,  vertebrae,  120 
History,  hip  lameness,  87 
History,   incomplete    nerve    par- 
alysis, hindleg,  98 
History,  inflammation,  podophyl- 

lous  membrane,  138 
History,  luxation,  femur,  91 
Historj^     luxation,     flexor    pedis 

perforatus.  116 
History,  luxation,  patella,  103 
History,  middle  gluteus  lameness, 


History,  paresis,  flexor  pedis  i)er- 

forans,  157 
History,  rupture,  flexor  metatarsi, 

107  ' 
History,    rupture,    straight    liga- 

nients,  patella,  105 
History,    rupture,  tendo  achilles, 

108 
Historj-,  spavin  lameness,  109 
History,      thrombosis,      posterior 

aorta  and  branches,  95 
Hock- joint,    excessive    extension, 

83,  85 
Hoof,  brittle,  132 
Hoof,  contracted,  150 
Hoof,  contracted,  in  coronary  re- 
gion, 153 
Hoof,    contracted,    in    region    of 

quarters,  151 
Hoof,  crooked,  131 
Hoof,  narrow,  131 
Hoof-lameness,  126,  130 
Hoof-lameness,  diagnosis,  130,  131 
Hoof- lameness  in  colts,  133 
Hoof,  soft,  133 
Hoof,  upright,  131 
Hoof  with  ridges,  134,  133 


Foreleg. 

Inflammation,  flexor  tendons,  17 
Inflammatorj^  swellings  and  new 

growths.  36 
Inspection,  bruises  forearm,  48 
Inspection,  chronic  inflammation 

knee,  50 
Inspection,     complete     paralysis, 

radial  nerve,  43 
Inspection,     contusions,      scapul- 

humeral  articulation,  38 
Inspection,       diseased      shoulder 

muscles,  37 
Inspection, distended  articular  and 

tendinous  synovial  sacs,  53 


INDEX. 


163 


Inspection,  distortion,   phalangeal 

articulation,  64 
Inspection,  fracture,  forearm,  45 
Inspection,  fracture,  knee  bones.  49 
Inspection,    fracture,    metacarpal 

bones,  59 
Inspection,     fracture,      navicular 

bone,  73 
Inspection,  fracture,  os  pedis,  70 
Inspection,  fracture  of  suffraginis, 

69 
Inspection,  fracture,  radius,  48 
Inspection,  fracture,  scapula,  45 
Inspection,      fracture,      sesamoid 

bones,  68 
Inspection,  fracture,  ulna,  47 
Inspection,  gluteal  region,  19 
Inspection,  incomplete    paralysis, 

radial  nerve,  43.  44 
Inspection,    inilammation,    bursa 

flexor  brachii,  42 
Inspection,    inflammation,    carpal 

bursa  flexor  pedis  tendons,  51 
Inspection,    inflammation,   elbow 

joint,  47 
Inspection,    inflammation,    flexor 

ten,.lous,  57 
Inspection,  inflammation,  posterior 

ligaments  coronet  joint,  65 
Inspection,   inflammation,  tendon 

postea  spinatus,  39 
Inspection, inflammatory  swellings 

and  new  growths,  36 
Insjjection,  injuries,  anterior  sur- 
face knee, 49 
Inspection,  ischium  postero-exter- 

nal  angle,  19 
Inspection,  luxation,  phalanges,  64 
Inspection,  navicular  lameness,  74 
Inspection  of  coronary  region,  15 
Inspection  of  shoe,  15 
Inspection  of  shoulder  joint,  36 
Inspection  of  wall  of  hoof,  15 
Insijection, paralysis  brachial  nerve 
plexus,  44 


Inspection,  paralysis  supra  scapu- 
lar nerve,  40 
Inspection,  ringbone  lameness,  70 
Inspection,  rupture,  flexor  tendons 
I       and  sesamoid  ligaments,  56 
Inspection,  sesamoid  lameness,  66 
Inspection,  splint  lameness,  59 
Inspection,     thrombosis,    brachial 

arterj',  37 
Ischium,    postero-extemal    angle, 
inspection,  19 

HiNDLF.G  AND  HoOF. 

Ilio-iisoas,  its  function,  80 
Inspection,    acute    inflammation, 

hock-joint,  112 
Inspection,    acute    inflammation, 

stifle-joint,  101 
Inspection,  chronic  inflammation, 

stine-joiut,  101 
Inspection,  crural  nerve  paralysis, 

98 
Inspection,  cui'b  lameness,  115 
Inspection,   disease,  head  of  sus- 
pensory ligament,  157 
Inspection,  fissure,  tibia,  106 
Inspection,  flat  hoof,  131 
Inspection,    fractm-e,    astragulus, 

114 
Inspection .       fracture,       cotyloid 

cavity,  124 
Inspection ,  fracture,  femur,  91 
Inspection,  fracture,   hock  bones, 

113 
Inspection,  fracture  of  vertebrte, 

UO 
Inspection,  fracture,  os  pubis,  124 
Inspection,  fracture,  patella,  105 
Inspection,  fracture,  pelvis,  122 
Inspection,  fracture, shaft  of  ilimu, 

122 
Inspection,   fracture  through  ob- 
turator foramen,  123 
Inspection,  fracture,  tibia,  106 
Inspection,     fracture,     tuberosity 
ischium,  124 


164 


INDEX. 


Inspection,  hip  lameness,  87 

Inspection,  hoof  lameness,  131,132, 
133,  134 

Inspection,  incomplete  nerve  par- 
alj'sis,  hindleg,  98 

Inspection,  inflammation,  podo- 
phj'Uous  membrane,  136 

Inspection,  interfering,  119 

Inspection,  ischiatic  nerve  paraly- 
sis, 96 

Inspection,  laminitis,  140 

Inspection,  loosening  of  sole  from 
wall,  148 

Inspection,  luxation,  femur,  91 

Inspection,  luxation,  flexor  pedis 
perforatus,  116 

Inspection,  luxation,  jjatella,  103 

Inspection,  middle  gluteus  lame- 
ness, 88 

Inspection,  narrow  hoof,  131 

Inspection,  outward  luxation,  pa- 
tella, 104 

Inspection,  paresis,  flexor  pedis 
perforans,  157 

Inspection,  pricking  in  shoeing, 
145 

Inspection,  punctured  wounds,  sole 
and  frog,  144 

Inspection,  quittor,  143 

Inspection,  rupture,  flexor  meta- 
tarsi, 107 

Inspection,  rupture,  straight  liga- 
ments, patella,  105 

Inspection,  rupture, tendo  Achilles, 
108 

Inspection,  sand  cracks,  148 

Inspection,  seedy  toe,  150 

Inspection,  septic  inflammation, 
flexor  tendon  sheaths,  117 

Insjiection,  sidebones,  146 

Inspection,  spavin,  109 

Inspection,  stringhalt,  118 

Inspection,  thickening,  sesamoidal 
sheath, 117 

Inspection,  thrombosis,  posterior 
aorta  and  branches,  95 


Inspection,  tibial  nerve  paralysis, 

96 
Inspection,  upright  hoof,  131 
Inspection,  wounds  of  the  coronet, 

142 

K 

Foreleg. 
Knee  gall,  53 


Foreleg. 

Lame,  both  fore  and  behind,  11 

Lame,  diagonally,  11 

Lame  leg,  detection,  9,  10 

Lameness,  behind,  10 

Lameness,  complicated,  12 

Lameness  due  to  chronic  inflam- 
mation of  knee,  50 

Lameness  due  to  contusions, 
scapul-humeral  articulation,  38 

Lameness  due  to  corns,  32 

Lameness  due  to  disease  of  antea- 
spinatus,  30 

Lameness  due  to  disease  of  bones, 
30 

Lameness  due  to  disease  of  coraco- 
humeralis,  30 

Lameness  due  to  disease  of  flexor 
pedis  perforans,  31 

Lameness  due  to  disease  of  flexor 
pedis  perforatus.  31 

Lameness  due  to  disease  of  inhibi- 
tory apparatus,  31 

Lameness  due  to  disease  of  joints, 
12 

Lameness  due  to  disease  of  liga- 
ments, tendons  and  their  sheaths, 
31 

Lameness  due  to  disease  of  mas- 
toido-humeralis,  30 

Lameness  due  to  disease  of  pectoral 
muscles,  37 

Lameness  due  to  disease  of  postea 
spinatus  muscle,  32 


INDEX. 


165 


Lameness  due  to  disease  of  prescap- 
ular  and  axillary  glands,  30 

Lameness  due  to  disease  of  sub- 
scapularis,  33 

Lameness  due  to  disease  of  superior 
and  inferior  sesamoidal  liga- 
ments, 31 

Lameness  due  to  disease  of  teres 
major,  33 

Lameness  due  to  distortions,  32 

Lameness  due  to  distortion,  articu- 
lar by  no  vial  sacs,  51 

Lameness  due  to  distortion,  pha- 
langeal articulations,  64 

Lameness  due  to  fissured  meta- 
carpal bone,  59 

Lameness  due  to  fracture,  fore- 
arm, 45 

Lameness  due  to  fracture,  knee 
bones,  49 

Lameness  due  to  fracture,  navicu- 
lar bone,  73 

Lameness  due  to  fracture,  meta- 
carpal bone,  58 

Lameness  due  to  fracture,  os  coro- 
na, 69 

Lameness  due  to  fracture,  os  pedis, 
70 

Lameness  due  to  fracture,  os  suf- 
fraginis,  69 

Lameness  due  to  fracture,  radius, 
48 

Lameness  due  to  fracture,  scapula, 
45 

Lameness  due  to  fracture,  sesa- 
moid bones,  68 

Lameness  due  to  fracture,  ulna,  47 

Lameness  due  to  hoof  diseases,  31, 
33 

Lameness  due  to  inflammation, 
bursa  flexor  brachii,  40 

Lameness  due  to  inflammation, 
carpal  bursa  flexor  pedis  ten- 
dons, 50 

Lameness  due  to  inflammation, 
elbf>T^  joint,  47 


Lameness    due    to   inflammation, 

flexor  tendons,  57 
Lameness    due    to    inflammation, 

posterior      ligaments,      coronet 

joint.  65 
Lameness    due    to   inflammation, 

shoulder  and  elbow  joint,  30 
Lameness    due    to   inflammation, 

skin  of  phalanges,  30 
Lameness    due    to    inflammation, 

tendon  postea  sjnnatus.  39 
Lameness  due  to  injuries,  anterior 

surface  of  knee,  49 
Lameness  due  to  lacerations,  ole- 

cranian  muscles,  30 
Lameness  due    to  luxation,   pha- 
langes. 64 
Lameness  due  t  >  luxation,  scapul- 

humeral  articulation,  39 
Lameness  due  to  nail  prick.  33 
Lameness  due  to    navicular    dis- 
ease, 31 
Lameness  due  to  painful  affections, 

breast,  33 
Lameness  due  to    painful    states 

about  shoulder,  80 
Lameness  due  to  paralysis,  axillary 

plexus,  30 
Lameness  due  to  paralysis, brachial 

nerve  plexus.  44 
Lameness  due   to    paralysis,  ole- 

cranian  muscles,  30 
Lameness  due  to  jiaralysis,  radial 

nerve,  42 
Lameness  due  to  paralysis,  supra 

scapular  nerve,  40 
Lameness    due     to    periarthritis, 

phalangeal  articlulations,  31 
Lameness  due  to  periostitis,  30,  33 
Lameness  due  to  quarter-crack,  33 
Lameness  due  to  rupture,  exten- 
sors, metacarpus  and  foot,  30 
Lameness  due  to  rupture,  perforana 

tendon, 56 
Lameness  due  to  rupture,  perioV' 

atus  tendon,  56 


166 


Lameness  due  to  rupture,  superior 
and    inferior      sesainoidal  liga- 
ments, 50 
Lameness  due  to  splints.  32 
Lameness  due  to  transverse  frac- 
ture, ulna,  30 
Lameness   due    to    wounds    a  u  d 

bruises,  forearm,  48 
Lameness  in  both  forelegs,  10 
Lameness  in  both  hind  legs,  10 
Lameness  in  lumbar  region.  11 
Lameness  in  metacarpal  region,  56 
Lameness  in  phalangeal  region,  62 
Lameness  in  region  of   elbow  and 

forearm,  47 
Lameness  in  region  of  knee,  49 
Lameness  in  region  of  shoulder,  35 
Lameness  in  the  foreleg,  25 
Lameness  in  two  legs  of  same  side, 

11 
Lameness,  how  to  detect,  11 
Lameness,  mixed,  29 
Lameness,  slight,  11 
Levatox"s  of  forearm,  35 

HiNDLEG  AND  HOOF. 

Lameness  due  to  acute  inflamma- 
tion of  hock  joint,  112 

Lameness  due  to  acute  inflamma- 
tion of  stifle  joint,  101 

Lameness  due  to  chronic  inflam- 
mation of  stifle  joint,  101 

Lameness  due  to  contraction  of 
muscular  elements,  81 

Lameness  due  to  corns,  145 

Lameness  due  to  crural  nerve  par- 
alysis, 97 

Lameness  due  to  disease,  head  of 
suspensory  ligament,  157 

Lameness  due  to  diseases  of  hoof, 
84 

Lameness  due  to  diseases  of  joints, 
81,84 

Lameness  due  to  disease  of  per- 
forans,  84 


Lameness  due  to   disease  of    the 

tensor  fasciae  lata,  81 
Lameness    due    to    fracture    and 

fissure  of  tibia,  106 
Lameness  due  to  fi*acture,  astragu- 

lus,  114 
Lameness  due  to  fracture,  cotyloid 

cavity,  124 
Lameness  due  to  fracture,  external 

branch  ischium,  125 
Lameness    due     to    fractures    of 

femur.  93 
Lameness  due  to  fracture,   hock 

bones,  113 
Lameness  due  to  fracture  of  A'er- 

tebrse,  120 
Lameness  due  to  fracture,  os  pubis, 

124 
Lameness  due  to  fracture,  patella, 

105 
Lameness  due  to  fracture,  jjelvis, 

84,  122 
Lameness  due  to  fracture,  shaft  of 

ilium,  133 
Lameness  due  to  fracture,  through 

obturator  foramen,  123 
Lameness  due  to   fracture,  tuber- 
osity ischium,  124 
Lameness  due  to  incomplete  par- 
alysis of  hindleg,  98 
Lameness  due  to  individual   hoof 

diseases,  140 
Lameness  due  to  inflammation  and 

rupture,  ilio-psoas,  81 
Lameness    due  to    inflammation, 

gluteal  muscles,  81 
Lameness    due    to    inflammation, 

hip-joint,  93 
Lameness  due  to  inflammation  of 

the  tendon  and  tendon  sheath 

of  middle  gluteus  muscle,  88 
Lameness  due    to    inflammation, 

podophyllous  membrane,  136 
Lameness  due    to    inflammation, 

stifle  joint,  82 
Lameness  due  to  interferin":,  119 


J><r  inde: 


Lameness  due  ^o  laminitis,  140 
Lameness  due  to  loosening  of  sole 

from  wall,  148 
Lameness  due  to  luxation,  flexor 

pedis  perforatus,  116 
Lameness  due  to  luxation  of  femm-, 

91 
Lameness  due  to  luxation  of  pa- 
tella, 82,  83.  103 
Lameness  due  to  old  fractures  of 

pelvis.  90 
Lameness  due  to  painful  states  of 

bones,  83 
Lameness  due  to  painful  states  of 

tendon  sheaths.  82 
Lameness  due  to  paralysis,  crural 

nerve.  83,  86 
Lameness  due  to  paralysis, ischiatic 

nerve,  96 
Lameness  due  to  paralysis,  sciatic 

nerve  and  branches,  81 
Lameness  due  to  paralysis,  tibial 

nerve,  83,  96 
Lameness  due  to  paralysis,  triceps 

femoris,  83 
Lameness  due  to    paresis,   flexor 

pedis  perfurans,  157 
Lameness  due  to  peripheral  nerve 

paralysis,  96 
Lameness  due  to  pricking  in  shoe- 
ing, 145 
Lameness      due      to      punctured 

wounds,  sole  and  frog,  144 
Lameness  due  to  quittor,  143 
Lameness  due  to  rupture,  extensor 

pedis,  83 
Lameness  due   to  rupture,  flexor 

metatarsi,  107 
Lameness  due  to  rupture,  gastroc- 

nemii.  83,  86 
Lameness  due  to  rupture,  straight 

ligaments,  patella,  105 
Lameness  due  to  rupture,   tendo 

Achilles,  108 
Lameness  due  to  sandcracks,  148 
Lameness  due  to  seedy  toe,  149 


1G7 

Lameness  due  to  septic  inflamma- 
tion, flexor  tendon  sheath.  117 

Lameness  due  to  side-bones,  146 

Lameness  due  to  thickening  of  the 
sesamoidal  sheath,  117 

Lameness  due  to  thrombosis, 
femoral  artery,  95 

Lameness  due  to  thrombosis,  iliac 
artery,  83,  84,  95 

Lameness  due  to  thrombosis,  pos- 
terior aorta  and  branches,  95 

Lameness  due  to  wounds  of  coro- 
net, 143 

Lameness  following  enlarged  in- 
guinal glands,  156 

Lameness  following  fistulous 
withers,  156 

Lameness  following  inflammation, 
mammary  gland,  155 

Lameness  following  inflammation, 
spermatic  cord  and  testicles,  155 

Lameness  following  osteo  porosis, 
156 

Lameness  following  shoulder  ab- 
scess, 155 

Lameness  following  sternal  fistula, 
156 

Lameness  following  wounds  and 
inflammatory  conditions  of  skin 
and  underlying  tissues.  156 

Lameness  in  the  gluteal  region,  87 

Lanier  ess  in  the  hindleg.  78 

Lameness  in  the  region  of  the 
femoro-tibial  articulation,  100 

Lameness  in  the  region  of  the  hock, 
109 

Lameness  in  the  region  of  the  hip- 
joint,  91 

Lameness  in  the  region  of  the 
metatarsus,  117 

Lameness  in  the  region  of  the 
tibia,  106 

Lameness  of  flat  hoof,  131 

Lamenessof  glanders  and  farcy, 154 

Lameness  of  inflammatory  condi- 
tions of  skin,  155 


168 


INDEX. 


Lameness  of  influenza,  154 
Lameness  of  malatlie  du  coit,  154 
Lameness    of    purpura  haemorr- 
hagica,  155 

M 

Foreleg. 
Mastoido-humeralis,    its  function, 

26,  27 
Mucous  bursa  of  extensor  pedis,  55 

Foreleg. 
Nail-holes,  examination  of,  17 
Navicular  lameness.  74 
Nervous  horses,  how  to  examine, 
14 

O 

Foreleg. 
Olecranian  muscles,  their  function, 
26 


Foreleg. 
Pain,  how  to  interpret,  19 
Pain  in  region  of  shoulder,  21 
Pain  when  rotating  a  joint.  21 
Palpation,  19,  20 
Palpation,    chronic    inflammation 

of  knee,  50 
Palpation,    contusions,    scapul- 

humeral  articulation,  38 
Palpation,  diseased  shoulder  mus- 
cles, 37 
Palpation,  distended  articular  and 

tendinous  synovial  sacs,  5  3 
Palpation,    distortion,   phalangeal 

articulations,  65 
Palpation,  fracture,  forearm,  46 
Palpation,  fracture,  knee  bones,  49 
Palpation,     fracture,     metacarpal 
bones,  59 


Palpation,       fracture,      navicular 

bones,  73 
Palpation,  fracture,  os  pedis,  70 
Palpation,  fracture,  os  suflfraginis, 

69 
Palpation,  fracture,  scapula,  45 
Palpation,       fracture,       sesamoid 

bones,  68 
Pal|jation,  fracture,  radius,  48 
Pali)ation,  fracture,  ulna,  47 
Palpation,     inflammation,      bursa 

flexor  brachii,  42 
Palpation,     iiiflaiamation,     elbow 

joint,  47 
Palpation,     inflammation,     fleror 

tendons,  58 
Palpation,  inflammation,  posterior 

ligaments,  coronet  joint.  Go 
Pali)ation,    inflammation,   tendon 

postea  spinaius,  39 
Palpation,  inflammatory  swellings 

and  new  growths,  36 
Palpation,   injuries,   anterior   sur- 
face of  knee,  49 
Palpation,  luxation,  phalanges,  64 
Palpation,  luxation,  scapul-humer- 

al  articulation,  39 
Palpation,  metacarpal  bones,  19 
Palpation,  navicular  lameness,  75 
Palpation  of  shoulder,  19 
Palpation.  paralysis,supra-scapular 

nerve,  40 
Palpation,  pelvis,  22 
Palpation,  ringbone  lameness,  70 
Palpation,  sesamoid  lameness,  66, 

67 
Palpaticm,  shoulder  joint,  36 
Palpation,  splint  lameness,  59 
Palpation  superior    and    inferior 

sesamoidal  ligaments,  56 
Palpation,      thrombosis     brachial 

artery,  37 
Palpation,  to  detect  pain  in  hoof,  16 
Passive  flexion  in  sesamoid  lame- 
ness, 67 


169 


Passive  flexion,  knee-joint  50 
Passive  movements,  sra[ml-humei-- 

al  articulation,  39 
Phalangeal  articulations,  how  to 

rotate,  21 
Phalanges,  dorsal  flexion,  33,  34 
Phalanges,  excessive  volar  flexion, 

46,  47,  58,  66.  73 
Phalanges,  prominent,  58 
Pelvic  cavity,  examination  of,  21 
Periostitis,  cause  of  lameness,  23 
Podophyllous  membrane,   inflam- 
mation, 15 
Pointing,  14,  31 
Pointing,  backward,  33 
Pointing,  forward,  33 
Postea  spinatus,  its  function,  26 
Pulsations  of  digital  arteries,  15 

HiNDLEG. 

Palpation,    acute     inflammation, 

hock  joint,  113 
Palpation,   acute  inflammation, 

stifle  joint,  101 
Palpation,  chronic  inflammation, 

stifle  joint,  102 
Palpation,  crural  nerve  paralysis, 97 
Palpation,  disease  head  of  suspen- 
sory ligament,  157 
Palpation,  fissure  tibia,  106 
Palpation,  fracture,  astragulus,  114 
Palpation,  fracture,  cotyloid  cav- 
ity, 124 
Pa'pation,  fracture,  femur,  94 
Palpation,   fracture,    hock  bones, 

114 
Palpation,  fracture,  patella,  105 
Palpation,  fracture,  pelvis,  123 
Palpation,  fracture,  os  pubis,  134 
Palpation,  fracture,  shaft  of  ilium, 

132 
Palpation,   fracture,    through  ob- 
turator foramen,  123 
Palpation,  fractm-e,  tibia,  106 
Palpation,      fracture,      tuberosity 
ischium.  135 


Palpation,  fracture,  vertebra-,   130 

Palpation,  hip-lameness,  88 

Palpation,  hoof-lameness,  134,   135 

Palpation,  inflammation,podophyl- 
lous  membrane,  137 

Palpation,  interfering,  119 

Palpation, ischiatic  nerve  paralysis, 
97 

Palpation,  laminitis,  141 

Palpation,  loosenmg  of  sole  from 
wall,  148 

Palpation,  luxation  of  femur.  01 

Palpation,  luxation,  flexor  pedis 
perforatus,  116 

Palpation,  middle  gluteus  lame- 
ness, 90 

Palpation,  outward  luxation,  pa- 
tella, 105 

Palpation,  pricking  in  shoeing.145 

Palpation,  punctured  wounds  of 
sole  and  frog,  144 

Palpation,  quittor,  144 

Palpation. rupture  flexor  metjitarsi, 
108 

Palpation,  rupture  straight  liga- 
ments patella,  105 

Palpation,  rupture,  tendo  Achilles, 
108 

Palpation,  sandcracks,  148 

Palpation,  seedy  toe,  150 

Palpation,  septic  inflammation, 
flexor  tendon  sheath,  117 

Palpation,  side-bones,  146 

Palpation,  spavin,  111 

Palpation,  thickening,  sesamoidal 
sheath,  117 

Palpation,  thrombosis,  posterior 
Aorta  and  branches.  95 

Palpation,  tibial  nerve  paralysis, 
96 

Palliation,  wounds  of  coronet,  143 

Paralysis,  crural  nerve,  83 

Paralysis,  triceps  femoris,  S3 

Patella,  straight  ligaments,  rup- 
ture, 83 

Patella  muscles,  rupture,  S'.i 


170 


Phalanges,  volar  flexion,  83,  85 

Pointing,  130 

Podophyllous  membrane,  138 

Podophyllous  membrane,  paren- 
chymatous inflammation,  139, 
136 

Podophyllous  membrane,  super- 
ficial inflammation,  139,  136 

K 

Foreleg. 

Rheumatic  shoulder  lameness,  38 
Ringbone  lameness,  70 


Foreleg. 

Searching  knife,  when  to  use,  17 
See-sawing  of  head  and  haunch,  11 
Servatus  magnus,  its  function,  35 
Sesamoid  lameness,  66 
Shifting  weight,  14,  31 
Shoe,  when  to  remove,  17 
Short  abductor  of  arm,  its  function, 

36 
Shoulder,  abduction,  33 
Shoulder,  abnormal  flexion,  33 
Shoulder  lameness,  35,  38 
Sole,  examination  of,  17 
Sore  shins,  61 
Spavin,  14 
Spavin,  lame.  11 

Spavin  test,  13 

Splint,  cause  of  lameness,  23,  59 

Step  of  quadruped,  39 

Stringhalt.  14 

Stringhalt  lameness,  11 

Stumbling,  44 

Subscupularis,  its  function,  36 

Supporting  leg,  35,  39 

Supporting  leg,  function,  27 

Supporting  leg  lameness,  29 

Swelling  along  flexor  tendons,  17 


Swinging  leg,  25.  28 
Sv\-inging  leg,  action  of,  37 
Swinging  leg,  function,  27 
Swinging  leg  lameness,  29 

HiNDLEG, 

Sandcracks,  153,148 

Sartorius,  its  function,  80 

Sole,  bruised,  131 

Sole,  contracted,  153 

Spavin,  83,  184 

Stifle  joint,  excessive  extension,  83 

Stifle  joint,  excessive  flexion,  83, 

83,  85 
Stifle  joint,  inflammation,  82 
Stringhalt,  82,  118 
Supporting  leg,  78,  80,  81 
Swinging  leg,  78,  79,  80 
Swinging-leg  lameness,  81 

T 

Foreleg. 

Teres  major,  its  function,  26 
Teres  minor,  its  function,  26 
Thrombosis,  brachial  artery,  36 
Thrombosis,    posterior    aorta  and 

branches,  23 
Thrush,  33 
Thrush  lameness,  76 

HlNDLEG. 

Thrombosis,  iliac  arteries,  83 

Tibial  nerve  paralysis,  83 

Triceps  feraoris,  its  function,  80,  81 

W 

Foreleg. 

White  line,  examination  of,  17 
Windgalls,  54 

HiNDLKG. 

White  line,  examination  of,  135 


GLOSSARY. 


ANCHYLOSLS  :    Permanent  union  of  the  articulating  extremities  of 

one  or  more  bones  of  a  joint ;  stiff  joint. 
ATROPHY  :  A  wasting  away. 

CELLULITIS  :  Inflammation  of  loose  connective  tissue. 
CHECK-APPARATUS  :  See  inhibitor}^  apparatus. 
CONTUSION :  A  bruise. 
CREPITATION  :  The  grating  sound  resulting  from  the  rubbing  of  the 

ends  of  a  broken  bone  against  each  other. 
DIAPHYSIS  :  The  body  or  middle  portion  of  a  long  bone. 
DISTORTION  :  A  twisting  out  of  regular  shape  ;  a  sprain. 
EPIPHYSIS  :  The  extremities  of  a  long  bone 

EXOSTOSIS  :  A  morbid  enlargement  of  the  whole  or  part  of  a  bone. 
EXTENSION,  passive  :   Extension  of  a  part  by  some  artificial  means, 

the  muscles  normally  concerned  remaining  inactive. 
FLEXION,  dorsal,  of  the  phalanges :   That  state  of  flexion  depending 

upon  the  action  of  the  extensor  muscles. 
FLEXION,  passive  :  Flexion  of  a  part  bv  some  artificial  me;ins,  the 

muscles  normally  concerned  remaining  inactive. 
FLEXION,  volar,  of  the  phalanges :    That  state  of  flexion  depending 

upon  the  action  of  the  flexor  muscles. 
INHIBITORY    APPARATUS:    That    mechanism    which    fixes    the 

various    joints    of    the    leg,  without  the  assistance  of  muscular 

elements. 
INSPECTION  :  The  act  of  looking  at  anything  closely  and  critically. 
LAMENESS,  remittent :    A  lameness  with  intervals  of  lessened  inten- 
sity. 
LAMENESS,  intermittent :    A  lameness  totally  absent  at  more  or  less 

regular  intervals. 
LEVATOR  :   A  muscle  which  serves  to  raise  a  part. 
LUXATION :  A  dislocation. 
MOVEMENT,  passive  :  Movement  of  a  part  by  some  artificial  means, 

the  muscles  normally  concerned  remaining  inactive. 
PALPATION  :   Examination  of  a  part  by  touch. 

PERIARTHRITIS  :   Inflammation  of  the  tissues  surrounding  a  joint. 
PERIOSTITIS:    luflammation  of  the  thin    delicate    membrane,    the 

immediate  covering  of  a  bone. 
PETECHI^^ :    Small    reddish  spots  in  the  skin,   mucous    or    serous 

membranes. 
SEPTIC  :   Causing  putrefaction  ;  containing  pathogenic  bacteria. 
SYNOVITIS  :   Inflammation  of  the  synovial  membrane. 
THROMBOSIS  :  The  clogging  of  a  blood-vessel  by  a  clot,  formed  at  the 

point  of  obstruction. 

171 


